Frankfurt 2009: more and more hybrids

Details are currently scarce, but it seems logical to assume the cars share some underlying technology, as Lexus is a premium brand subsidiary of Toyota, and much of this is adapted from the latest Toyota Prius. Toyota’s offering is a concept version of the full hybrid Auris it has already confirmed it will produce next year. This will be the first hybrid version of a regular Toyota production model. Unsurprisingly, the concept looks like an Auris - only with blue-tinted lights and extra stickers.

The Lexus LF-Ch on the other hand is an entirely new addition to the Lexus line-up, and the first time the brand has offered any kind of compact premium hatchback. The LF-Ch will have five doors for practicality, and the ability to operate on electric power alone. The styling sketches shown so far make it out to be good looking, if rather aggressive. Alongside these two new young upstarts, Toyota will be showing a Plug-in Hybrid concept version of the Prius, while Lexus shows off revised versions of the LS and GS.

By giving owners the ability to recharge their cars overnight, Toyota hopes the plug-in Prius will offer increased electric-only motoring capability; a 150-car trial of this vehicle kicks off next year. Meanwhile, in other electric vehicle news, if you are interested in participating in the Mini E UK research project, 20 cars are now available to lease for £330 a month. The first round of six-month trials are open for application now, with another round following in 2010.The Mini E is an all-electric version of the regular Minihatchback, powered by a 201bhp electric motor.The trials are region specific, limited to South East England, and have detailed eligibility requirements.

Source : Which.co.uk, August 3rd, 2009