At the heart of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the latest generation of Toyota’s advanced PHV technology. It offers customers two cars in one; an even more sophisticated full hybrid powertrain and a real, all-electric EV driving experience with double the range of the previous generation model.
The significant increase in EV driving range from 25 km (15 miles) to over 50 km (31 miles) is based on technological improvements in three key areas: optimum battery development, maximizing EV driving performance and making the overall vehicle package much more efficient.
Located under the rear load space, a large capacity lithium-ion battery is fundamental to the new Toyota PHV’s more than doubled EV range of over 50 km (31 miles). The battery capacity has equally doubled from 4.4 to 8.8 kWh. Yet, the battery volume has only increased by 66% -from 87 to 145 liters, and, at 120 kg, it is only 50% heavier than its predecessor.
The roof host a solar panel which generates electricity to charge the battery pack and helps increase the daily driving range of the Prius PHEV by up to 5km (3 miles), equating to some 1,000 km (620 miles) of all-electric driving per annum.
EV power has also been increased by some 83% thanks to the development of Toyota’s first hybrid powertrain to feature a Dual Motor Drive System. A new, highly-compact one-way gear within the transaxle allows the hybrid system generator to act as a second electric motor. This boosts EV driving power for better acceleration, an even more engaging performance and a maximum EV driving speed of 135 km/h (84mph).
With a total power output of 90 kW, the new PHV’s full hybrid powertrain combines improved EV and HV driving performance to accelerate the Prius Plug-in Hybrid from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 11.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 162 km/h (100 mph). Conversely, it achieves average fuel consumption of only 1.0 l/100 km (282mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of just 22 g/km under the NEDC cycle.
There are four powertrain modes to choose from: HV Mode, EV Mode, EV City and a new Battery Charge mode. Additionally, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid also gets three driving modes: Normal, Power and Eco.
The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid shares the dashboard design of the latest Prius; a clear, structural arrangement of layered information which places the driver’s meters at distance and the displays close at hand. Unlike the tablet-like 11.6inch infotainment system that equips the US and Japanese model, European customers will only get the option of an eight-inch option with updated graphics, along with dual 4.2-inch screens in front of the driver.
The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid features include wireless charging, a colored head-up display, a new Simple Intelligent Parking Assist (S-IPA) system, and an enhanced Toyota Safety Sense system which now comes with Pre-Collision Safety with pedestrian recognition and a Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, which can slow the car to a standstill when necessary.
The new 2017 Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be available in a choice of seven body colors, including one color -Spirited Aqua metallic- developed exclusively for the model.
