After months of anticipation, Toyota has formally announced the introduction of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid – a plug-in version of the third generation model.

Around 600 units will be introduced in Japan, Europe and the USA over the first half of 2010 for use by governments and businesses with Toyota declaring that plug-in hybrid vehicles are a highly suitable, environmentally considerate option. It stated that it would encourage market introduction and aid understanding of the vehicle type. It hopes to begin sales in the tens of thousands of units to the general public within two years.

In its own country, the company hopes to lease around 230 units to government ministries, local governments and corporations such as electric power companies. In the US, around 150 units will be provided to government agencies, corporations, research agencies and universities; while in Europe, Toyota will lease approximately 200 units with around 100 going to the city of Strasbourg in France. The car will also be introduced in the UK and Portugal with 10 other European countries also under consideration including Germany and the Netherlands. Other areas including Canada, Australia and New Zealand are also being considered.

The Plug-in Prius Hybrid marks the first vehicle from Toyota to use a lithium-ion battery. With its expanded capacity it has a driving range of 14.5miles and a maximum speed of 62mph. Its performance is gauged differently depending on the region – but in Japan it has an average fuel efficiency of 134mpg and CO2 emissions of 41g/km. The car also includes the Toyota Hybrid System II Plug-in which is based on the hybrid system used in the standard Prius with a new battery charging system for efficient charging of the lithium-ion battery.

In addition, there are several special features that have been added including the Eco-Drive Monitor – a screen that assists electric vehicle driving mode and provides information on battery charge level and resulting fuel consumption.