Plug-In Prius Statistics Revealed

By Eric Loveday

Eric Loveday

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2,081 views Sep 11, 2009

2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Enlarge Photo

Ready to make its debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Plug-In Prius from Toyota is sure to draw a lot of eager show goers its way.

Toyota has officially released several vital statistics pertaining to this Prius PHEV including a first look into the expected emissions and ability to operate in electric only mode.

According to Toyota, the Prius PHEV with its upgraded hybrid synergy drive system powered by lithium-ion batteries rather than the NiMH batteries of the standard Prius will capably reach speeds of up to 62 mph on electricity alone.  It has the ability to sustain this speed for up to 12.5 miles.  Additionally, the vehicle will be capable of accelerating up to this speed from a standing start without using its gasoline engine, though Toyota makes no mention of how long it will take to reach 62 mph in full EV mode.

The emission numbers released for the PHEV Prius are based on the EU driving cycle.  Based on this cycle, the vehicle emits only 60 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer driven.  The posted numbers are in the preliminary stages at this point and could change as the vehicle enters production.

Though Toyota is still speechless regarding the exact capacity of the lithium-ion battery, they have confirmed that the battery will be able to fully charge in a little over an hour and a half using a 230 volt supply.

The PHEV Prius is not scheduled for a full scale release until 2012, but 500 units will find there way into select fleets in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. later this year.

Source: Toyota Press Release

PRESS RELEASE:

10 September 2009

TOYOTA SWITCHES ON TO AN ELECTRIC FUTURE WITH NEW PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
CO₂ emissions cut to less than 60g/km

KEY POINTS

• New Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept reinforces Toyota's progress towards the ultimate eco-car
• Lithium-ion battery technology allows for compact packaging and quick recharging
• Rechargeable from domestic power supply or public charging point in around an hour-and-a-half
• Extended EV (electric) driving mode of up to 12.5 miles at speeds up to 62mph
• Over longer distances, Prius Plug-in switches to conventional petrol-electric full hybrid operation
• CO₂ emissions cut to less than 60g/km
• Toyota to launch global lease programme to evaluate Prius Plug-in in early 2010

Toyota is unveiling a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt motor show, signalling further progress towards its ambition of building the ultimate eco-car.

Presentation of the new concept comes ahead of a test programme that will see more than 500 cars leased to customers worldwide for real-world evaluation of performance and monitoring of driver attitudes and experiences.

Using lithium-ion batteries, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides clean, fuel-efficient electric-powered running in urban areas for longer distances and at higher speeds than the conventional, third generation full hybrid Prius. Over longer distances, or when the limit of battery power is reached, the system automatically shifts to conventional petrol power. Advanced battery technology allows for full recharging in around an hour and a half and the extended EV capability brings CO₂ emissions down to around 60g/km.

The plug-in hybrid concept

Europe's population is increasingly urban-centred and Toyota research into commuting patterns shows that in the UK and France, more than 80 per cent of car journeys cover a distance of less than 25km; in the UK around 80 per cent are less than 10km long. These figures confirm the potential for electricity in providing short to mid-term sustainable mobility.