Prius Halo is Starting to Erode

The Prius halo is starting to erode. No, not because of recalls.  Instead those who want to project a green image are contemplating the next big thing. With the advent of the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, I'm seeing more and more stories on how people, towns, or companies are looking to buying an electric or plug-in electric car, not just a hybrid.

For instance, the city of El Paso is buying 20 hybrid vehicles to create a 'Green Fleet.' But they are already planning on buying a Leaf to 'test it out' while installing charging stations.

Marty Howell, El Paso sustainability manager, said, "We'll try one of the Leafs and figure out how that runs. If we like it, we'll continue to go after that."

The countdown timer on the Prius halo has officially kicked in.  And with it, the hybrid halo that Toyota has held for a decade.