What You've Been Waiting For
The Prius Plug-in is the most advanced member of the Prius Family yet. Combining an extended all-electric mode [1][2] with proven hybrid technology, it can get you up to 475 miles before your next fill-up, depending on driving conditions. [3] You also get the convenience of plug-in charging with rapid recharge times
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. Our answer? Small lithium-ion battery packs that complement the proven Prius hybrid-electric power train.
The Prius Plug-in's lithium-ion battery is lightweight and compact, weighing a total of just 330 lb. So you get useful EV power and driving range without the costs of an electric-only EV battery, while maintaining plenty of cargo space and seating for five. Also, charge time from a standard 120V household outlet is only 3 hours.
Built to last for the life of the vehicle, our lithium-ion batteries have undergone more than three years of coordinated field testing in Japan, North America and Europe, in a wide variety of climatic environments and driving conditions.
The Prius Plug-in's 4-cylinder engine is incredibly fuel-efficient. The first reason for this is its 1.8L displacement, which allows it to generate higher output and torque while operating at lower speeds. In addition to increased efficiency, you also get a much quieter ride. Another factor is the elimination of the drive belt, along with an electric-driven water pump, which reduces supplemental engine load. This allows the engine to control the flow of coolant with increased precision based on vehicle conditions.
The electric motor in the Prius Plug-in is specially calibrated to give you greater fuel efficiency across a variety of driving conditions. And since it operates at an incredibly high rotational speed, it's able to generate more output in a smaller, lighter design—which also helps improve your overall fuel economy.
[1] Prius Plug-in EV mode works under certain conditions up to near freeway speeds for approximately 10-15 miles on a full charge. Sudden acceleration or climate control usage may prevent EV mode usage.
[2] CAUTION! When driving a hybrid vehicle, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle. Because there is little vehicle noise in electric-only mode, pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.
[3] Based on preliminary combined 50-mpg estimates determined by Toyota and 9.54 gallons of gas. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Actual mileage will vary. Actual topography and road conditions are not taken into account.
Meet The Prius Family
The Prius Plug-in is the latest member of the Prius family, joining the standard Prius and the new Prius V. The Plug-in Prius will have the ability to drive 15 miles on electric power only, no need to use the gasoline engine. In pure electric mode the Prius Plug-in is EPA rated at 87MOGe. After the 15 miles of range have been exhausted the Prius Plug-in will operate just like a traditional Prius with an EPA fuel mileage rating of 49 MPG!
The Prius Plug-in can be charged on both 120V or 240V systems. Plugged in to a traditional 120V household outlet the Prius Plug-in can be recharged in just 2.5 to 3 hours. If you have a 240V charger, the recharge time drops to just 1.5 hours!
Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be available in two models, the Prius Plug-in and the Prius Plug-in Advanced. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid model comes equipped with an abundance of standard features including heated front seats, Remote Air Conditioning System (which can run either off the grid while the vehicle is plugged in or off the battery like the third-generation Prius Liftback), a charger timer, EV/ECO/POWER modes, three-door Smart Key, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune [1] and an integrated backup camera, LED Daytime Running Lights, 15-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, enhanced Multi-information Display and much more.
The Prius Plug-in Advanced model adds additional standard features including Premium HDD Navigation with Entune [2] and JBL®GreenEdge™, Plug-in Hybrid Applications through a user's smartphone (Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard), Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, LED headlamps with auto on/off feature and integrated fog lamps, SofTex-trimmed seating, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, Safety Connect and more.
[1] Entune™ — includes Bing™ and Pandora®; real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Apps available spring 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable®. Access to Entune™ services is complimentary for three years. See toyota.com/entune for details.
[2] Entune™ — includes Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable® and Pandora® XM Data Services including NavTraffic™, NavWeather™, Fuel, and Sports & Stocks; Entune™ Plug-in Hybrid Applications include Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard. Access to Entune™ services and Plug-in Hybrid Applications is complimentary for three years. See toyota.com/entune for details.
2012 Prius Videos
