Plug-In Prius Hybrid Shown

Valence Technology and Energy Control Systems Engineering (EnergyCS) have shown a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) concept based on a 2004 Toyota Prius. The hybrid vehicle is powered by the Valence U-Charge Power System, which uses that company's Saphion battery technology. Saphion technology replaces toxic heavy metals with phosphates to create an energy storage battery that the company claims is more chemically stable, and thus safer, than traditional oxide-based lithium-ion batteries.

 

Because the Valence battery is said to offer greater energy than batteries traditionally used in hybrid vehicles, it has the potential to allow longer zero-emission driving range in a PHEV application. In the case of this fully-functional concept PHEV, fuel efficiency is claimed to reach up to 180 miles per gallon for an average commute of 50-60 miles per day. It offers zero-emission electric mode for driving at speeds up to 33 mph and an efficient gasoline internal combustion engine for longer distances and higher speeds.