2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Toyota has announced that the production Prius Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle will debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Just a few technical details have been released so far, although it’s promised that a new, more compact lithium-ion battery pack will offer a greater electric-only range. Not that that should be too hard to achieve, as the current Prius can only run in pure EV mode for 1.2 miles (1.9 km) at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h).

While Toyota hasn’t disclosed the projected battery range for the Plug-In version, fuel economy of 128.4 mpg (2.2 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km would suggest that the improvement is going to be very significant.

By comparison, the standard Prius, which will continue to be sold alongside the new arrival, achieves 72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle and 89 g/km.

However, one thing that’s not clear is how the Prius actually plugs in. The prototypes that were shown off last year had prominent front wing-mounted sockets but, curiously, this has disappeared in the latest image supplied by Toyota.

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (2012) Front Side
The production Prius Plug-In Hybrid...
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept (2010) Front Side
... which appears to lack the socket seen on the prototypes.

While prices have yet to be confirmed, the good news for UK consumers is that the Prius Plug-In Hybrid does qualify for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant, which should be worth £5,000 per car.

Related posts:
Nine electric cars get grant
Prius 10th Anniversary

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