Toyota To Offer AC Electric Outlets On Japanese Market Prius Models

[AutoGuide.com]

For next year, Toyota will start offering AC electric outlets as an option on the Prius hybrid so drivers can plug in accessories or appliances to their car. Toyota developed the idea through the March 11 earthquake disaster in which people used the Toyota Estima hybrid van (pictured above) as a source of emergency electricity when the power went out.

Toyota eventually wants to add the AC outlet to the entire hybrid line, however the option will only be offered in Japan initially because of concerns regarding different voltages and safety regulations. Toyota demonstrated the option earlier today in the city of Sendai with the Prius was equipped with Japan's standard 100-volt AC plug. The car was able to power appliances such as a fan, hotpot and refrigerator. Toyota officials noted that with one full tank of gasoline, the Prius can supply power at full output for two days.

More: Toyota To Offer AC Electric Outlets On Japanese Market Prius Models on AutoGuide.com

[gideon1331]

I'd certainly like to see this, especially living in the middle of nowhere where the power can cut out, often with little or no information about when it may come back on.

That and just having a source of AC power if you are parked somewhere would be very handy. I know some vehicles do have this ability built in, but it's usually no more than a couple hundred watts maximum...certainly not enough to run a fridge.

Some hybrid city bus models have this ability on a larger scale already, and can be used to power a hospital or other critical part of infrastructure in an emergency. If the engine can generate power to charge the batteries, it can generate power for a building.