Prius Plug-in hybrid deliveries begin in the Spring of 2012 in launch 14 states.
Toyota today announced that the price of its first Prius plug-in hybrid would be $32,760 or $40,285 for the two new Japanese-built models that go on sale in the U.S. March. The Prius plug-in Hybrid is Toyota’s first use of an expensive lithium ion battery pack, which the Japanese company resisted for years. However, political and marketing pressure, as well as government regulations favoring the controversial technology, has forced Toyota to embrace the concept, which is years or more from practical use unless you use the new “green math.”
With its tiny battery, Prius plug-in has a pure electric power range of a mere 25 miles and runs off of its gasoline engine at full-throttle. This is apparently enough to qualify for a federal taxpayer subsidy under consideration via a direct tax credit of about $2,500 in these deficit ridden times.
Prius plug-in is expected to achieve a manufacturer-estimated 87 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in combined driving and 49 MPG in hybrid mode. (Arithmetic here: This is less than the existing Prius hybrid at 50 mpg, which starts at $22,320 and weights 123 pounds less.) The MPGe value is based on Toyota internal testing, not an actual EPA number as yet, and it uses consumption of electricity and gasoline energy in combined EV and hybrid mode. You mileage can be quite different depending on driving style, location, temperature and traffic.
A new 4.4 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack (more than $4,000 at current production costs) replaces the standard Prius model’s nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery and fits under the rear cargo floor The plug-in adds an external charging cable. A full charge using an external AC outlet takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours using a 120v household outlet or 1.5 hours using an optional (it starts at $999 and could cost thousands) 240v outlet, according to Toyota. The included 120v charging cable connects to the charging port inlet located on the right-rear fender.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is essentially the same as in the current third-generation Prius and new Prius v models. The system uses two high-output electric motors, one 60kw (80 hp) unit that mainly works to power the compact, lightweight 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.
The new Prius Plug-in will be offered in two trim levels, standard and Advanced. The standard trim level provides all of the features of the Prius Two Liftback grade, plus some features from the upscale Prius Three and Prius Four grades. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid also makes standard a new touch-screen Display Audio and navigation system with rear backup camera and Toyota’s new “Entune” multimedia services.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be on sale in 14 launch states beginning this October through Toyota’s Online Order System at www.toyota.com. Vehicle deliveries begin in Spring 2012. The launch states include California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. A national rollout is planned for 2013.
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, and the battery-charging system and cable/connector, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles (10 years/150,000 miles for CARB states). The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also come no charge factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for three years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
See also:
- Ford and Toyota to Develop a New Hybrid System for Light Trucks and SUVs as well as Future Telematics Standards
- Driving the 2012 Toyota Prius V – Another Hybrid Benchmark
- Toyota Offers New Prius Plus Performance Package for $3,699
