Production Ready Prius Plug-In Hybrid Set for Frankfurt Debut

The production ready version of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Japanese biggest automaker announced today.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a new, more compact lithium-ion battery that the current Prius PHEV, which has been developed to meet Toyota’s rigorous standards for reliability.

Based on European homologation cycle the Prius PHEV has a fuel efficiency figure of 128.4mpg UK (107mpg US or just 2.2 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of just 49g/km, almost half the standard Prius.

While some debate the relative merits of electric cars, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers drivers the best of both worlds; extended EV driving range for shorter journeys in towns and cities, while the efficient hybrid petrol engine gives the car uncompromised long range capability and the very low fuel consumption of the standard Prius.

The new Prius Plug-in becomes the flagship of the Prius range. In 2012 it will join an expanded Toyota hybrid range consisting of the Prius, the British-built Auris hybrid, the new seven-seat Prius+ and the new Yaris hybrid, showing Toyota’s commitment to introducing Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to the wider market.

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