Toyota is finally ready to launch its Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will make its debut in Frankfurt in production form. The user rechargeable Prius is Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to go on sale, and also its first to use a lithium ion battery. In case you’re wondering, this is a Prius that you can plug in to your home’s wall socket to recharge, like a full EV and your mobile phone.
Calling it the “next major milestone in Toyota’s ongoing, 40 year quest for sustainable mobility and the ultimate eco car”, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid features the latest development of the company’s modular Hybrid Synergy Drive full hybrid platform, which has clocked some 200 billion kilometres of driving worldwide.
The new compact lithium-ion battery has been developed to “meet Toyota’s rigorous standards for reliability”. The Prius PHEV’s extended EV cruising range enables it to achieve remarkable fuel efficiency of just 2.2 l/100 km, while CO2 emissions drop to an unprecedented 49 g/km. Other than that, Toyota gives little away than to say that “affordability of its proven HSD technology will make it widely accessible.”
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments reflect mixed opinions on the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, highlighting its impressive fuel efficiency of around 2.2L/100KM and longer range, making it attractive for environmentally conscious drivers. Several praise Toyota's progress in green technology, while others raise concerns about battery disposal, recycling efforts, and the pollution from electricity sources like coal power plants. There are discussions about the high cost and whether hybrid technology is a practical solution versus traditional diesels or petrol cars. Some comments emphasize the importance of renewable energy in maximizing the car’s green benefits, and a few dismiss hybrid cars as mere gimmicks due to total environmental impact considerations. Overall, the sentiment leans toward optimism about hybrid technology’s role in reducing pollution, tempered by concerns over real-world sustainability and infrastructure challenges.