Plug in Your Prius to an Outlet in 2011

Actually, it's more likely you'll have to wait until 2015. Only 150 of the most popular hybrid cars, available for the first time as a plug-in, will be sold in the U.S. Toyota is introducing the plug-in Prius through a pilot leasing program in the U.S., Europe and Japan, allowing it to iron out the bugs. So, only really important people will be getting one. More widespread sales will ramp up in 2011, just in time to attempt to compete with Chevy's upcoming Volt.

What's the benefit to the plug? Well, for starters, you can drive your new electric-ish car around town until the battery dies after 14 miles, and then recharge it when you get wherever you're going (provided you've got a long enough extension cord). The car will continue to have a small gas engine for the times when you need to go a longer distance. No pricing yet.

On the plus side, those really important people who get the first-gen plug-ins will probably ditch their old Priuses -- so you can finally afford to buy one used. [via Autoblog]