Jon Lancaster Toyota

Overview
Everyone's buzzing about Plug-in Cars. So what's Toyota up to? The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (Prius PHV). Based on the 3rd generation Prius, Prius PHV combines the proven practicality of Hybrid Synergy Drive® with compact, lightweight lithium-ion batteries to extend its fully electric driving range.
What are the advantages of Prius PHV?

The best of both worlds: electric-only driving for a maximum of approximately 13 miles, plus an anticipated 50 MPG-rated hybrid driving that totally eliminates range anxiety.

Full recharging from a standard 110V household electric outlet in only 3 hours. The proven reliability of Prius HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive®). And now for the question on everyone's mind?timing. Prius PHV is expected to launch in 2012. How much? The price hasn't been set. Visit the upcoming vehicles page on toyota.com to receive news and updates on Prius PHV.

Battery
The idea of battery-powered cars is cool. But in reality, the weight, size, cost and durability of the large capacity batteries required to fully power Electric Vehicles (EV) are critical issues that aren't fully solved. Toyota's answer? Small lithium-ion battery packs that complement the proven Prius hybrid-electric power train.

Range
With a fully charged battery, Prius PHV can travel a maximum of approximately 13 miles in EV mode. Range will vary based on a variety of conditions and driving styles.

On electric-only power, Prius PHV can accelerate up to approximately 60 mph. Once the EV-mode charge is depleted, it resumes normal, full-hybrid mode and operates like a regular Prius. So Prius PHV drivers will experience the same useful and reliable range that Prius drivers have come to expect.

Wouldn't a bigger battery mean greater EV range? In theory, yes. But Toyota believes many Prius drivers don't want or need the trade-off in added weight, costs and charging time. Through ongoing research, including the Prius PHV demonstration program (see below), Toyota will be able to plan future PHV and Electric Vehicles to suit an even wider group of drivers.

 

 Charging
Prius PHV doesn't require a special charging station. With a standard household 110V electrical outlet, you can recharge it in approximately three hours. With a dedicated 220V outlet, recharging takes just one and a half hours. It's that easy. And as more cities and businesses build public and private charging stations, it will be even easier.