We are in Barcelona for the international presentation of the new Toyota Prius Plug-in. In this second generation, the Japanese model combines the attributes of the full hybrid version with a new look, more technology and double the autonomy in 100% electric mode.
Let's face it: it's impossible to talk about hybrids without talking about Toyota. The Japanese brand recently reached the round number of 10 million hybrids sold worldwide, a feat that reflects well the bet that has been made in the most «environmentally-friendly» engines. Of those 10 million, the Prius family was responsible for nearly 4 million units sold. As such, the international presentation of the new Toyota Prius Plug-in takes on added importance.What's new?
Starting with the most visible changes, more than a simple evolution in relation to the previous model, Toyota wanted to make the new generation of the Prius Plug-in a unique model in its own right, and bet on a slightly more premium aesthetic. In addition to the much more modern front grille, the bumpers and light groups (front and rear) were also redesigned.
The new Prius Plug-In shares Toyota's TNGA platform with the fourth-generation model introduced last year and is 165mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm shorter than its predecessor. The reduction in bonnet height and rear spoiler height further enhances the new silhouette and low center of gravity.
Inside, the highlights are the new equipment and the more organized layout of the controls, not forgetting the leather seats and the JBL sound system with 10 speakers (optional).
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At a technological level, the solar charging system is one of the main innovations. Yes, they read well. When the Prius Plug-In is parked (not plugged in), the sunroof charges a battery which, once fully charged, supplies power to the main hybrid battery. Toyota guarantees that solar charging can increase the 100% electric driving range of the Prius Plug-in up to a maximum of 5 km per day which, all things considered, equates to around 1000 km of emission-free driving over a period of one year.
In addition, the Japanese brand debuts in the new Prius Plug-in a heat pump for injecting gas into the air conditioning. This system allows the cabin to be heated without the combustion engine starting, using the heat absorbed from the outside air. The gas injection mechanism ensures heating inside even at low temperatures.
At the heart of the new Prius Plug-In is Toyota's latest generation of PHV technology. The autonomy in 100% electric mode has grown from 25 km to 50 km, and the main culprit is the new lithium-ion battery, located under the trunk.
Objective: to reduce CO2 emissions from the entire fleet of models by 90% by 2050.
If the autonomy was doubled, on the other hand performance was not forgotten either. Electric power is now 68 kW (83% improvement) thanks to the development of an engine with a dual electric motor system. The new unidirectional clutch inside the transaxle makes it possible to use the hybrid system generator as a second electric motor. Result: top speed in electric mode increases from 85 km/h to 135 km/h.
According to the brand, all this makes it possible to improve acceleration and make driving more engaging, while significantly reducing the frequency with which the combustion engine is started. Will be? Don't miss our first impressions behind the wheel of the Prius Plug-in, soon here on our website.
Prices
The new Toyota Prius Plug-in arrives in Portugal in April and will be available, in four versions, at the following prices:
Luxury – €41,200 ; Luxury + Optional Skin – 42,800€ ; Luxury + Skin + Techno Pack – €44,800 ; Power Sky – €43,200 . Metallic paint - 540€ ; Special metallic paint - 810€.
