Toyota has introduced the Prius Plug-in Hybrid in Japan. As its name suggests, this is the plug-in version of the third-generation Prius. Other than the ability to recharge via an external source, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) uses lithium-ion batteries, a first for hybrid champ Toyota.
The 5.2 kWh Li-ion battery pack replaces the standard Prius’s nickel metal hydride unit. Battery capacity has been expanded and Toyota claims that the PHV can move in battery only EV mode for longer distances (23 km) compared to the current Prius. Max speed in EV mode is also up from about 45 km/h to 100 km/h. The official average fuel consumption is 57 km/l in the Japanese test cycle.
Other than the battery and charging system, the THS II system is as before, which means there’s a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle engine with 98 bhp and 142 Nm of torque supplemented by a 81 bhp/207 Nm permanent magnet motor under the hood. Charging time is 180 minutes for 100V current and 100 minutes for 200V.
The PHVs will be leased to Japan’s governments, corporations, universities and research agencies while Toyota collects real-world driving data for the development of battery-charging infrastructure. About 600 units will be introduced in Japan, USA and Europe over the first half of 2010. Showroom sales will begin two years from now.
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
Another brilliant tech from Japan..how far has them leave us..hmm..
i saw a 3rd gen prius recently on the road…not bad
far ,,and if people not support local car then it gonna be worst
Max speed in EV mode is up to 100km/h plus 23km of EV only driving. Wow that means my daily highway commute can be done without consuming petrol. Of course not accounting overtaking maneuvers due to pesky motorbikes and dawdling earth movers that should be banned from highways.
range of 23kms only on EV mode?
Thats quite pathetic…really, but a step in the right direction.
Plug n Play by USB port?
Guys, buy small cars 1500cc and below to rescue the environment la (eventhough I know you can afford it)
The EV and hybrid car tech is relatively new in the market. Maybe in 10-15 years when the patents are lapse the price might get cheaper when other manufacturer (like P1) can use the technology without infringement……as it is already obsolete. Then we are again 'forced' to buy cars with obsolete tech……..the cycle continues.
yeah ~ RM170k for hybird .. how about plus ??