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2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in


  

  Prototype shown with options. Production model will vary. ?Registrants can reserve the Plug-in prior to the general public while quantities last.

The Prius Plug-in is the most advanced member of the Prius Family yet. Combining an extended all-electric mode with proven hybrid technology, it can get you up to *475 miles before your next fill-up, depending on driving conditions. You also get the convenience of plug-in charging with rapid recharge times.

Prius Plug-in Battery

  Battery Type: Lithium-ion
 Max EV cruising range: Approx.13 Miles
 Recharging time:1.5 hrs @ 240V AC or 3 hrs @120V AC

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.

Prius Plug-in Engine & Motor


   Engine 
  Displacement (cm3): 1798
   Max output [hp (kW)/rpm]: 98 (73)/5200
   Max torque (Nm/rpm): 142/4000
  

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 engine also features a Cool-EGR system to lower recirculated exhaust temperatures, as well as a recirculation system that reuses heat to help the Prius Plug-in warm up even quicker.


Motor

 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.




Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will I be registering for the Prius Plug-in shown on this site?
A. No, the vehicle you see on this site was used as a demo model to test the in-use performance of lithium-ion battery technology and gather initial user feedback. Please stay tuned for details on the upcoming 2012 production model.

Q. How does the Prius Plug-in work?
A. The Prius Plug-in requires no special charging station. To charge the vehicle, simply plug it into any standard 120V. If its charge depletes while you're driving, the vehicle switches over to full-hybrid mode, operating just like a regular Prius, still giving you outstanding mpg.

Q. What are the benefits of the Prius Plug-in?
A. With the Plug-in's extended EV mode, you'll be able to make many of your daily local trips without using a single drop of *gas. And because it's backed by Hybrid Synergy Drive®, you could get up to *475 miles on a single tank, depending on driving conditions. You also get the convenience of Plug-in charging and rapid recharge times: 3 hours with a standard 120V household outlet or 1.5 hours with a 240V outlet.

Q. Where can I find out more about the Plug-in?
A. You can read and learn more at:

Q. How will plugging in the vehicle at home affect my electric bill?
A. The Prius Plug-in draws approximately one kilowatt and takes approximately three hours to charge. But since electricity rates vary greatly depending on where you live and the utility company you use, we can't determine exactly how much it will cost you to plug in the vehicle. Your bill will also be affected by how often you charge the Prius Plug-in.

Q. Where and when will the Prius Plug-in be available in 2012?
A. The Prius Plug-in will be available starting spring of 2012 in 15 launch states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Availability will open up to all other states in 2013. Prius Plug-in online ordering will not be available in Hawaii.

Q. Why were these states selected first?
A. There are three key reasons Toyota selected these 15 states at launch:
  • Most of the launch states have regulatory statutes that require we sell a minimum number of very low emissions vehicles in the state.
  • The launch states contain 60% of our Prius owners to date.
  • Focusing on only specific states at launch allows Toyota time to build up production capacity to meet demand in the rest of the country by 2013.

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.

*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. 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.