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Performance and Economy
Even with the addition of the new
onboard battery charging system and larger 176-lb. Li-ion battery pack, the 2012
Prius Plug-in Hybrid weighs just 123 lbs. more than the standard Prius Liftback,
thanks to weight-savings techniques applied elsewhere. As a result, driving
performance for the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be similar to the standard
Prius.
Running in EV mode, the system switches to full hybrid mode under
full acceleration, which splits engine power between the drive wheels and the
generator, keeping the battery charged - just as in the standard Prius model.
Even when not running in the driver-selectable EV mode, the Prius Plug-in
Hybrid will rely more on its electric-only capability in situations where it is
more efficient than running the gasoline engine, especially in urban and
suburban driving and during shorter trips when drivers will enjoy the smoothness
and quiet of EV operation. The overall fuel economy rating for the Prius Plug-in
Hybrid increases to a manufacturer-expected 87 MPGe, with the car achieving an
estimated 49 MPG when operating in hybrid mode. Drivers who use the vehicle for
frequent short trips and local driving will realize the biggest reduction in
gasoline usage.
EV and Hybrid Operation
The Prius Plug-in
operates much the same way as the standard Prius model while offering extended
EV range and plug-in charging. Current Prius owners will feel instantly familiar
with the new model while enjoying more benefits of EV driving.
The
Plug-in Hybrid system consists of a large-capacity Li-ion battery and an
external battery-charging port connected to the standard Prius Hybrid Synergy
Drive system.
Toyota developed the new compact, lightweight, high-output
battery specifically for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The 4.4 kWh battery pack
includes a battery charger located under battery that features an internal
cooling fan. The hybrid system's inverter and has been optimized for the new,
higher-capacity battery. In addition, the hybrid cooling system uses a larger
heat exchanger and higher-capacity fan motor.
As in the standard Prius
Hybrid model, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid shuts down the gasoline engine at a stop
and accelerates away with the hybrid battery providing electricity to the front
motor; the Prius Plug-in Hybrid can rely on battery power alone for longer
distances and higher speeds than the standard Prius. It features a new battery
state-of-charge gauge, and a standard multi-information display panel monitors
fuel and energy consumption to help encourage economical driving habits.
New multi-information display additions have been included in the Prius Plug-in.
A new EV Drive Ratio display records the ratio of driving distance covered by EV
power, and the Hybrid System Indicator shows possible EV driving range when in
EV mode. An Eco Savings Record screen, new to both the 2012 updated Prius and
the Prius Plug-in, allows drivers to measure their savings over a customizable
pre-set comparison vehicle. The pre-set areas include fuel cost for a gallon of
gas and miles-per-gallon average.
Charging the Prius Plug-in Hybrid
The external charging system is designed to be easy and safe to use.
Approximately 24 feet in length, the battery charger cable weighs just 3.75 lbs.
and conveniently fits its own compartment in the trunk area.
The port is
located behind a spring-loaded push-open door on the right-rear fender. A full
charge using an external AC outlet takes approximately 2.5-3.0 hours using a
120V household outlet with a dedicated 15-amp circuit, or 1.5 hours using a 240V
outlet. The charge port provides LED (Light Emitting Diode) illumination for
convenient nighttime charging. A timer allows charging to take place during
off-peak hours and can be set for both start and end times.
In the event
of a malfunction, the CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupter Device) in the cable
will stop the flow of electricity for safety, and the indicator lamp will flash.
There is also a self-test button, similar to that used on household kitchen and
bathroom electrical outlets. A special rubber stopper prevents the charging port
door from snapping shut when closing.
Leviton Level 2 (240V) Home
Charging Stations
Leviton, an approved provider of Level 2 (240V)
home charging stations, has developed a residential program exclusively tailored
for Prius Plug-in customers. The program will include a one-stop solution for
home charging stations, installation services for 120V and 240V applications,
and dedicated support for Toyota customers. The program will also offer Level 2
(240V) 16-amp and 30-amp home charging stations designed exclusively for the
Prius Plug-in (UL-certified, compact design, easy-to-use, and made in the
U.S.A.), industry-leading pricing for Level 2 (240V) with basic packages and a
Toyota-dedicated e-commerce web portal (leviton.com/Toyota) with product
information, order tracking, and other features. Prius Plug-in customers will be
able take advantage of Leviton's special pricing starting early October.
Exclusive Trim Levels
Externally, the Prius Plug-in inherits the
standard model's exceptionally low coefficient of drag at 0.25 Cd. The current
Prius had received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in
history, resulting in one of the cleanest aerodynamic profiles of any
mass-produced vehicle in the world.
The 2012 Prius Plug-in is
distinguished from the standard Prius model by exclusive exterior trim,
including chrome-like finish for the door handles, front grille, rear license
plate garnish and the battery charging door. Unique badges, blue-accent
headlamps and LED taillight clusters also identify the new model. It is
available in five exterior colors, including the new Clearwater Blue.
The
new Prius Plug-in will be offered in two trim levels, standard and Advanced. The
standard trim level provides all of the features of the Prius Two Liftback
grade, plus some features from the upscale Prius Three and Prius Four grades.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid also makes standard a new touch-screen Display Audio
and navigation system with rear backup camera and Toyota's new Entune multimedia
services.
The Prius Plug-in comes standard with unique wheels, LED
Daytime Running Lights, new driver-feedback screens, heated front seats, Smart
Key System on three doors with push-button start and remote illuminated entry,
and the Touch Tracer Display. The latter features touch sensors on the steering
wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better
concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch
located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument
panel, directly in front of the driver.
The Advanced trim level adds
Head-Up Display, LED headlamps, SofTex interior seat trim, eight-way adjustable
power driver seat, a JBL premium audio and HDD navigation system and exclusive
Entune Plug-in Hybrid Applications for smartphones. Additional safety features
in the Advanced level include the Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control and Safety Connect system. The latter can access a call center with a
live operator who can dispatch police and emergency vehicles. The system
combines automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator feature,
which can track the location of the stolen vehicle via GPS and help guide police
to recover it.
Hybrid Synergy Drive
The Hybrid Synergy
Drive system in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is essentially the same as in the
current third-generation Prius and new Prius v models. The system uses two
high-output electric motors, one 60kw (80 hp) unit that mainly works to power
the compact, lightweight transaxle, and another smaller motor that works as the
electric power source for battery regeneration and as a starter for the gas
engine. Maximum motor-drive voltage is 650 volts DC.
Hybrid Synergy Drive
is a series-parallel hybrid system that can provide power either from the engine
alone, or the electric motor/generator alone, or any mix of both. A hybrid
control computer manages the system so that optimum power is delivered according
to driver demand. A start/stop system and regenerative braking also help to
conserve fuel, the latter recharging the battery upon deceleration.
Hybrid Synergy Drive is built around a specially adapted, efficient
98-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and
contributes to a maximum 134 total system horsepower. Key components include an
electric water pump that requires no belts, and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when
the engine is cold.
The compact and lightweight gasoline engine produces
low noise and vibration. Sophisticated valve control, injector design, and other
technologies help reduce emissions to allow the Prius Plug-in to qualify for an
enhanced ATPZEV emissions rating. A new low-pressure fuel-vapor containment tank
system releases pressure in the tank for the engine to consume the generated
vapor.
Remote Climate Control Operation for Comfort and Conservation
The Prius Plug-in features a standard automatic climate control system. The
remote air conditioning feature can be activated by the key fob while the
vehicle is being charged to cool the interior. This feature can help enhance
fuel consumption by using the external AC power source to provide comfortable
cabin temperature before entering the car. As in the standard Prius, an ECO
switch operates to prioritize fuel economy when the air conditioning is running.
On the Advanced model a Smartphone can be used to start cooling the cabin.
For quick interior heating in cold climates, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid
features standard two-position front seat heaters and a supplementary electric
heater.
Entune Multimedia System
The 2012 Prius Plug-in is
among a number of Toyota models that offer the new Entune multimedia system.
This innovative new system leverages mobile smartphones to provide a richer
in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment
and information services.
Toyota Entune debuts the first-ever support for
engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com, along with
accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel
information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune brings the
largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including
iHeartRadio's 750+ stations, and the Pandora personalized music service.
Access to Entune services (and Plug-in Hybrid Applications in the Advanced trim
level) is complimentary for three years. The audio systems combined with Entune
feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that
helps the driver to stay focused on the road by eliminating the need to memorize
thousands of voice commands. The system will also allow for audio read-back and
replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set
quick-reply messages such as: "I'm driving and will reply later."
Safety
Like all Toyota models, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will feature
as standard Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle
Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and the Smart
Stop Technology brake-override system. An available Pre-Collision System (PCS),
paired with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, retracts seatbelts and applies the
brakes in certain conditions when a frontal crash is determined to be
unavoidable. The Prius Plug-in will also come standard with seven airbags. Also
available is Safety Connect, which includes automatic collision notification,
stolen vehicle locator, emergency assistance button (SOS) and roadside
assistance (three-year complimentary subscription included).
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications