Prius Plug-In
After dominating the entire world in the conventional electric hybrid department, Toyota has taken the plunge and started developing plug-in versions of its models. The Prius Plug-In was the perfect one to kick things off.
Simply dubbed Prius Plug-In, it features a conventional battery and an all-electric range of 20 km. But this version won’t be hitting markets soon.
However, Toyota confirmed its intent to test this type of product in several markets, including Canada, over the next year. The automaker claims the car is capable of reaching highway speeds in all circumstances, including in all-electric mode.
Mazda RX-8 HY
The hydrogen-powered RX-8 RE project has been underway since 2006, when Mazda started leasing the first models to its corporate clients in Japan. But the original RX-8 Hydrogen dates back to 2003, and Mazda has been experimenting with alternative fuels since 1991.
In hydrogen mode, the RX-8 will produce neither carbon dioxide nor nitrogen dioxide while putting 107 hp at the driver’s disposal. Note, however, that his RX-8 Hydrogen is a prototype in name only, as the company is conducting extensive tests in Norway and that the model has been available for lease in Japan for a few months now.
The privilege of driving an RX-8 Hydrogen RE comes at a high cost, however, as owners have to dish out 420,000 Yen, tax included, per month to operate it – nearly 5,000 CAD.
 |
| photo: Michael Wong |
After dominating the entire world in the conventional electric hybrid department, Toyota has taken the plunge and started developing plug-in versions of its models. The Prius Plug-In was the perfect one to kick things off.
Simply dubbed Prius Plug-In, it features a conventional battery and an all-electric range of 20 km. But this version won’t be hitting markets soon.
However, Toyota confirmed its intent to test this type of product in several markets, including Canada, over the next year. The automaker claims the car is capable of reaching highway speeds in all circumstances, including in all-electric mode.
Mazda RX-8 HY
 |
| photo: Michael Wong |
The hydrogen-powered RX-8 RE project has been underway since 2006, when Mazda started leasing the first models to its corporate clients in Japan. But the original RX-8 Hydrogen dates back to 2003, and Mazda has been experimenting with alternative fuels since 1991.
In hydrogen mode, the RX-8 will produce neither carbon dioxide nor nitrogen dioxide while putting 107 hp at the driver’s disposal. Note, however, that his RX-8 Hydrogen is a prototype in name only, as the company is conducting extensive tests in Norway and that the model has been available for lease in Japan for a few months now.
The privilege of driving an RX-8 Hydrogen RE comes at a high cost, however, as owners have to dish out 420,000 Yen, tax included, per month to operate it – nearly 5,000 CAD.