Technology | electric vehicles Toyota Explores Plug-in Prius All-electric version of hot-selling car could be only a few years away By Jane Yager Posted Nov 10, 2007 11:48 AM CST Copied A Toyota Prius hybrid compact car is exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show in Makuhari, east of Tokyo, in this file photo. Toyota is exploring a plug-in version. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, FILE) (Associated Press) Toyota is launching a three-year study of US consumer demand for a new version of the popular Prius that could run exclusively on electric power and be recharged in a standard electric socket. Toyota may yet beat rival General Motors to market—GM has set a 2010 target date for its plug-in hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt, Reuters reports. The study, to be focused in California, where hybrids are most popular, will examine driving and recharging behavior, consumer attitudes toward plug-in cars, and how much electricity a plugged-in car takes from the power grid. Environmental advocates are pushing automakers to bring plug-in vehicles to market. Toyota counters that it is critical to do good research first. Read These Next A family hike took a tragic turn in Arkansas on Saturday. Delta pilot arrested moments after landing plane. Multiple people shot at Reno casino. Kim Jong Un's sister shows up with biting words. Report an error