Based on the third-generation Toyota Prius, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept previewed today at the Frankfurt Motor Show promises to be one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the planet.
Like the standard Prius, the Prius PHV Concept uses Toyota’s latest Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. However, the Prius PHV Concept uses lithium-ion batteries rather nickel-metal hydride, giving the vehicle more of an electrical oomph.
Toyota says its first-generation lithium-ion batteries are capable of taking the Prius PHV Concept 12 miles on all-electric power. Toyota failed to mention the Prius PHV Concept’s top speed in electric mode, but says it will be able to hit “highway speeds”.
Once the plug-in’s battery power is exhausted, it reverts back to hybrid mode, operating like a standard Prius.
Toyota plans to test 500 examples of the Prius PHV, with the first fleet deliveries scheduled for later this year. Of those 500 test vehicles, 150 will be destined for the United States.
“Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market,” said Irv Miller, Toyota Motor Sales group vice president, environmental and public affairs. “This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them.”
Toyota says it is already working on its next PHV battery, which it describes as “beyond lithium.”
09/11, 9:43 AM
posted by:
wakeNbake
12 miles!?!…..
09/11, 9:58 AM
posted by:
Borat
What the average commute to work? Traffic does not affect mileage: if it does not move it does not suck electricity. My wife commutes to work 5 miles, would be perfect for her: we would not use gas and she would not care that it is not Lotus.
09/11, 10:02 AM
posted by:
JPizzzle
But 12 miles is very poor considering they have been leading the hybrid/electric industry so far (well them and Honda). Most people don’t have a 12 mile or less round trip to work. Perfect for you though Borat.
09/11, 10:25 AM
posted by:
wakeNbake
I’m hoping they left off a zero. 12 miles is ridiculous, 120 would work for most commuters.
09/11, 11:10 AM
posted by:
Borat
So after initial 12 miles the car operates as a hybrid, it is not limited to that range. I am not fan of hybrids, not because they are hybrids, but because Prius (gen 2 did not drive gen 3) is a lousy car to drive. I test drove Insight and it is better then Prius II, but does not handle as well as Civic or Fit for that matter. I think it is right step in hybrid development, although personally I would prefer diesel prolifiration.
09/11, 11:14 AM
posted by:
CADDY-V
12 miles!!
The Volt better watch out.
09/11, 11:18 AM
posted by:
Soravia
12 miles is just too low. Even the GM’s Volt gets 40 at most. This is such a joke. Maybe that’s why they call it a concept, probably to test the consumer response on range vs price.
09/11, 12:13 PM
posted by:
Bosley
I bet that Toyota won’t charge an extra 10K more than they should for it though….
09/11, 12:57 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
it’s not a ground-up EV, it’s a hybrid on electric steroids…i think somebody here quoted the average commute as being under 25 miles per day, so while this isn’t there yet, it’s half way…and it will be out long before the volt, so that’s not really an apples-apples comparison…
09/11, 1:53 PM
posted by:
worst 3
how much will this cost is a very impotent question that needs answering even small batteries like it has (relative to volt) are going to be costly, and what dose “hit high way speeds mean”.
09/11, 5:51 PM
posted by:
aggie531
leaf- EV for people who dont take many road trips and has no family
Prius pih- For people who cant afford the volt but need something more practical that the leaf
Volt – People who need to commute longer and take road trips but are willing to pay a 10k premium to, um, to get the Chevy logo. Maybe?
09/11, 5:52 PM
posted by:
aggie531
Highway speed are from 55-65 mph
09/15, 10:07 AM
posted by:
orangecones
@aggie…. “People who … are willing to pay a 10k premium … to get the Chevy logo”
Does not compute. At least for me, if the car has a chevy logo I expect a DISCOUNT.
09/15, 6:32 PM
posted by:
GT40
Highway speeds are 60-75 mph for me.
10/20, 4:27 PM
posted by:
Lawnchair88
And the new title of “Car for idiots” goes to…