Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled all new Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) model. The company will begin the sales of PHEV models on March 15, offered as Z grade.
The car delivers high performance and it also offers refined environment to make daily drives comfortable and exhilarating.
The new Prius PHEV, offers high-performance equipped with the latest plug-in hybrid system, which combines a compact, high-capacity drive battery, high-output drive motor, and high-efficiency gasoline engine.
Following are the features of Toyota Prius PHEV model:
2.0-liter Plug-in Hybrid System
Prius PHEV is equipped with fifth-generation hybrid system which combines a compact, high-capacity drive battery and high-output drive motor in Toyota’s first use of its newly developed 2.0-liter Plug-in Hybrid System.
This version of the Prius has outstanding dynamic performance with a system that produces a maximum 164 kW (223 PS) of power, which is about double that of the previous model, and achieves acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. It also offers great fuel efficiency of 26.0 km/L with 19-inch tires and 30.1 km/L with 17-inch tires.
BEV driving distance can cover the majority of daily driving using just the electric power from the battery. Distance is 87 km with 19-inch tires and 105 km with 17-inch tires, with the 105 km representing an improvement of 75 per cent compared to the previous model.
The new Prius PHEV is also equipped with Regeneration Boost, which is useful on mountain roads and in other situations that require regular switching between acceleration and braking. When set, this function provides stronger regenerative braking force than normal to deliver responsive driving performance while reducing the frequency of switching between the accelerator and brake pedals.
Power generation and supply
Prius PHEV comes with both a BEV external power supply mode, which uses electricity stored in the battery to provide an external power supply for outdoor, leisure, and other activities, and an HEV external power supply mode, which can use the car as a power supply during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies.
In the HEV external power supply mode, electricity is supplied from the battery only until the remaining power falls to a set level, after which the engine starts to supply electricity. With a full battery charge and full tank of gas, this system can provide enough electricity for about five days of use.
It also comes with an external electric power supply attachment as standard so that external power supply is possible with the door windows closed to prevent rain and insects from getting in the car when in use. It is also equipped with a vehicle power connector that can be plugged into the charging inlet of the vehicle for use as an external power socket providing 1,500 W (100 VAC).
The car is equipped with a second-generation solar charging system that efficiently converts solar energy into electricity, providing enough power to drive up to 1,250 km per year in BEV mode. With a highly efficient solar panel installed into the vehicle roof, the battery can be charged in parking lots where there are no charging stations, or even during blackouts from disasters or other causes, as long as the sun is shining.
Electric power generated from the solar panel is used to charge the drive battery while parked, with the system not only supplying electricity for driving but for air conditioning and other functions as well. The system also supplies the auxiliary battery system when driving to reduce drive battery consumption.
Prius PHEV features “My Room Mode” that lets users enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from the external power source by turning the power switch on during normal charging.
Creating a comfortable interior space without running the engine, this feature turns the car interior into an additional room that can be used for teleworking, rest, or any other activities.
Prius PHEV exterior:
Prius PHEV has the same body design for both, HEV and PHEV models. However individuality is expressed through small differences in shapes and color schemes. The exclusive PHEV design comes with 19-inch aluminum wheels with a sporty and dynamic shape that creates a sense of high-performance driving, and a metallic silver lower grille and smoky gray tail lamps that emphasize technical advancement.
