Sales of the Chevrolet Volt have been hampered in recent months by a federal safety probe, and now Chevy’s plug-in may be facing another sales hurdle – the Toyota Prius plug-in.
The EPA has yet to officially rate the Prius plug-in’s fuel economy, but Toyota fully expects the car to trump the Chevy Volt’s ratings. Toyota estimates the Prius plug-in will be rated at 50mpg in combined driving while in hybrid mode and 95mpg-equivalent during EV operation. In comparison, the Volt is rated at 37mpg in hybrid mode and 94mpg-e while acting as an EV.
“It’s still an estimate, but we are confident it’s going to be 95,” Bob Carter, vice president of Toyota sales, told Bloomberg. Carter added that an official rating from the EPA is expected “in a couple weeks.”
Although the Prius plug-in will likely clip the Volt in fuel economy, the Volt will still hold an edge in EV range. Whereas the Prius plug-in can only travel 15 miles in EV mode, the Volt can go for 40 or more gas-free miles. The Volt also has an advantage in EV top speed – 100mph versus the Prius plug-in’s 62mph.
“The big difference here is in real-world conditions,” said Rob Peterson, a spokesman for General Motors. “The Volt’s ability to go all-electric at all speeds for 25 to 50 miles allows most drivers to commute on electricity only.”
Look for the Toyota Prius plug-in to hit the market later this year.
