Where are you hedging your bets when it comes to the future of automobile propulsion?

Maybe you're sticking with hybrids. Maybe you've already gone all the way to an electric car, or are rolling around in a range-extended Chevrolet Volt.

For some, the latest version of the Toyota Prius with plug-in hybrid technology is just what they need. Largely similar to a regular Prius but equipped with a larger, lithium-ion battery pack and an extra few miles of electric range.

We've compiled all our articles on the Prius Plug-In, bringing you all the information you'll need to decide whether it's the car for you.

 

The basics

Aside from a few new bits of exterior trim, what does the 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In offer you for your $30,800 (including $810 destination charge)?

In effect, the same 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the regular Prius. Its planetary "electronic CVT" gearset blends electric and combustion power as and when it's needed.

Only this time, you can spend much longer in all-electric mode, thanks to a 4.4 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Official EPA figures state an 11-mile "blended" electric range (mostly electric, but some combustion power) and six miles all-electric. Total range is a useful 540 miles, all-electric MPGe is 95, and it maintains the regular Prius' 50 mpg combined rating.

If you're a little confused by all that, have a read of our guide to the Prius Plug-In's EPA economy sticker.

 

Driving the Prius Plug-In

We've got behind the wheel of plug-in Prius models several times, so between the following articles you'll find a selection of different opinions on how it drives and just how far it can go on the road.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid - production model

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid - production model

Buying and owning the Prius Plug-In

As a buyer of a new plug-in Prius, what exactly can you expect?

Once again, that very much depends whether you've owned a regular Prius before--in which case the ownership experience will be much the same. Naturally, there's added onus on remembering to plug it in each time you stop somewhere--it'd be a shame to spend the extra on the Plug-In and not make use of it!

Plug-In sales are strong though, so the simple format clearly works--and owners are happy too.

Those who haven't previously owned a Prius will no doubt appreciate its reliability and easy-going nature, as well as strong fuel efficiency. Don't expect much excitement, though...

 

Prius Plug-In technology and safety

With recent arrivals such as the Chevrolet Volt, the Prius is now a long way from being the most advanced plug-in on the market. That simplicity will help with reliability too, as regular Prius models have been known to do large mileages without any issue.

Since the regular Prius was downgraded from an NHTSA five-star rating to four, both share the same safety score. The 2014 Prius also gets an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, though the plug-in version hasn't been separately tested. You can read full details on the crash test rating here.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Prius Plug-In social media and marketing

Like any vehicle these days, the Prius is subject to heavy attention on the internet and elsewhere. Whether you're intrigued by the car's crazy Japanese advert featuring robots from Star Wars, or simply want to drive one using the Zipcar service, all the details are below.

 

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