Toyota introduces Prius Plug-in Hybrid

New Prius Plug-in Hybrid: charging takes 1.5 to 3 hours: range is up to 765 km.

Toyota introduced the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid at the annual Green Drive Expo in California today. Toyata is positioning the Prius Plug-in as a way to enjoy the benefits of the standard Prius model plus extended EV driving and more affordable pricing. 

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will allow EV operation and performance for up to 15 miles at speeds up to 62 mph, along with quick home charging using a standard AC outlet and 15-amp dedicated circuit. Operating in EV mode, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides the smooth quiet driving of a pure electric vehicle. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers the same five-passenger seating and luggage space as the standard Prius model.

A newly developed 4.4 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack replaces the standard Prius model's nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery and fits under the rear cargo floor, and the vehicle adds an easy-to-use external charging cable.

A full charge using an external AC outlet takes approximately 2.5 to 3.0 hours using a 120v household outlet or 1.5 hours using a 240v outlet. The included 120v charging cable connects to the charging port inlet located on the right-rear fender.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will rely more on its electric-only capability in situations where it is more efficient than running the gasoline engine, especially in urban and suburban driving and during shorter trips. The overall fuel economy rating for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid increases to a manufacturer-expected 87 MPGe, with the car achieving an estimated 49 MPG when operating in hybrid mode.  Drivers who use the vehicle for frequent short trips and local driving will realize the biggest reduction in gasoline usage.

As in the standard Prius Hybrid model, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid shuts down the gasoline engine at a stop and accelerates away with the hybrid battery providing electricity to the front motor; the Prius Plug-in Hybrid can rely on battery power alone for longer distances and higher speeds than the standard Prius. It features a new battery state-of-charge gauge, and a standard multi-information display panel monitors fuel and energy consumption to help encourage economical driving habits.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid uses two high-output electric motors, one 60kw (80 hp) unit that mainly works to power the transaxle, and another smaller motor that works as the electric power source for battery regeneration and as a starter for the gas engine. Maximum motor-drive voltage is 650 volts DC. Hybrid Synergy Drive can provide power either from the engine alone, or the electric motor/generator alone, or any mix of both. A hybrid control computer manages the system so that optimum power is delivered according to driver demand. A start/stop system and regenerative braking also help to conserve fuel, the latter recharging the battery upon deceleration.

Hybrid Synergy Drive is built around a specially adapted, efficient 98-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and contributes to a maximum 134 total system horsepower. Key components include an electric water pump that requires no belts, and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when the engine is cold.