La Prius Plug in* 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
Performance
The Prius Plug-in Concept’s powertrain is similar in format to the Hybrid Synergy Drive used in the new Prius, but with the nickel-metal hydride battery pack replaced by a new, high-output lithium-ion battery – a first for a Toyota hybrid vehicle. The new battery is more compact and has a higher volumetric energy density, so it does not compromise vehicle weight and packaging. Perhaps more importantly, it can be recharged much more quickly than the nickel-metal hydride type: the battery in the Prius Plug-in can be fully recharged in one-and-a-half hours from a 230v power supply.
The battery allows strong, seamless acceleration up to a maximum 62mph (100km/h) in EV mode. On a full charge, it can cover approximately 12.5miles (20km) in EV mode, six miles further than the nickel-metal hydride battery in the latest Prius model. Over longer distances, the car operates as a regular full hybrid.
The car’s extended EV performance has a significant impact on emissions, with CO2 output dropping to less than 60g/km and, as with other full hybrid models, reduced NOx and particulates (PM) levels. Even greater CO2 savings can also be gained if the electricity used to charge the battery is drawn from renewable sources, such as windmills and solar panels. Simply put, the lower the percentage of energy derived from fossil fuels, the better the car’s well-to-wheel CO2 performance.