2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Projecting Pricing.
[NOTE: To our amusement, literally a couple of hours after we published this article, Toyota released the actual pricing. The base price of the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In will be $32,760 (including destination), while the Plug-In Hybrid Advanced model costs $40,285.
Toyota, the world leader in hybrid passenger cars and SUVs, introduced the Prius Plug-in Hybrid at the annual Green Drive Expo here today, as the newest member of the Prius Family.
Joining the popular third-generation Prius Liftback and the new Prius v, the new Prius Plug-in combines the benefits of the standard Prius model's hybrid vehicle operation with extended electric vehicle (EV) driving and more affordable pricing than pure electric or range-extender type vehicles. The recent introduction of the larger Prius v and now the Prius Plug-in Hybrid brings this eco-focused model range to four distinct vehicles, including the Prius c, which will debut in 2012.
The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will allow true 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 quick, 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.
The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid retains the Hybrid Synergy Drive of the standard Prius model and will seamlessly switch into hybrid operation at a pre-determined state of battery charge. 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.
In addition to offering Entune(TM), Toyota's new multimedia system, available smartphone applications developed for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid include Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard.
Even with the addition of the new onboard battery charging system and larger 176-lb. Li-ion battery pack, the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid weighs just 123 lbs. more than the standard Prius Liftback, thanks to weight-savings techniques applied elsewhere. As a result, driving performance for the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be similar to the standard Prius.
Running in EV mode, the system switches to full hybrid mode under full acceleration, which splits engine power between the drive wheels and the generator, keeping the battery charged - just as in the standard Prius model.
EV and Hybrid Operation
The Prius Plug-in operates much the same way as the standard Prius model while offering extended EV range and plug-in charging. The Plug-in Hybrid system consists of a large-capacity Li-ion battery and an external battery-charging port connected to the standard Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
Toyota developed the new compact, lightweight, high-output battery specifically for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. 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. New multi-information display additions have been included in the Prius Plug-in. A new EV Drive Ratio display records the ratio of driving distance covered by EV power, and the Hybrid System Indicator shows possible EV driving range when in EV mode. Charging the Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Leviton Level 2 (240V) Home Charging Stations
Leviton, an approved provider of Level 2 (240V) home charging stations, has developed a residential program exclusively tailored for Prius Plug-in customers. Significantly, the biggest change in packaging from the Prius Plug-in Hybrid test-fleet model is the smaller, more efficient battery pack in the production model. The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in has a weight of 3,165 lbs. versus 3,042 lbs. for the Prius Liftback and 3,373 lbs. for the Plug-in test-fleet model. The Prius Plug-in reduced vehicle weight in other areas as well. Toyota uses plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in Prius models. Exclusive Trim Levels
Externally, the Prius Plug-in inherits the standard model's exceptionally low coefficient of drag at 0.25 Cd. The 2012 Prius Plug-in is distinguished from the standard Prius model by exclusive exterior trim, including chrome-like finish for the door handles, front grille, rear license plate garnish and the battery charging door. 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(TM) multimedia services.
Additional safety features in the Advanced level include the Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Safety Connect system. Hybrid Synergy Drive
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 Prius Plug-in features a standard automatic climate control system. For quick interior heating in cold climates, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid features standard two-position front seat heaters and a supplementary electric heater.
Safety
Like all Toyota models, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will feature as standard Toyota's Star Safety System(TM), which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and the Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. The Prius Plug-in will also come standard with seven airbags. Entune Multimedia System
The 2012 Prius Plug-in is among a number of Toyota models that offer the new Entune multimedia system. 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).
Toyota has sold more than one million Prius plug-in hybrids in America, but it sees the market growing much bigger in the future.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota's executive VP of research and development, told Automotive News that the company believes that hybrid vehicles will make up 20 percent of the auto market by 2020.
This explains Toyota's agressive expansion into the world of hybrid and electric vehicles.
