Toyota Introduces 'Prius Plug-in Hybrid' into Key Markets
Tokyo, Dec 14, 2009; TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
(TMC) announces the introduction of the "Prius Plug-in Hybrid", a plug-in
version of the third-generation "Prius" gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle,
into key markets. Approximately 600 units will be introduced in Japan, the
United States, and Europe over the first half of 2010, for use by
governments and businesses.
In Japan, TMC will lease approximately
230 units to government ministries, local governments selected for the
Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's EV & PHV Towns program,
corporations such, as electric power companies, and other entities. In the
United States, approximately 150 units will be provided to government
agencies, corporations, universities and research agencies for use in a
demonstration program aimed at collecting driving data and spurring the
development of battery-charging infrastructure. In Europe, TMC will lease
approximately 200 units, with approximately 100 going to the City of
Strasbourg, France. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also be introduced in the
United Kingdom and Portugal, with the company also considering 10 other
European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, along with
countries in other regions, such as Canada, Australia and New
Zealand.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid can be charged using an external
power source such as a household electric outlet, and is the first vehicle
produced by TMC to be propelled by a lithium-ion battery. Further, due to
the battery's expanded capacity, the vehicle has an extended
electric-vehicle driving range, enabling use as an electric vehicle (EV)
for short distances, while for medium and long distances, after battery
power depletes to a level no longer allowing EV driving mode, the vehicle
functions as a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle (HV). Thus,
use is not constrained by remaining battery power or availability of
battery-charging infrastructure.
Furthermore, plug-in hybrid
vehicles (PHVs), such as the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, are expected to achieve
fuel efficiency superior to conventional gasoline-electric HVs, reduce
consumption of fossil fuels, and reduce CO2 emissions and atmospheric
pollution. Verifications and rules that gauge the performance of a PHV
differ from region to region, but in Japan, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid has a
cruising range in EV mode of approximately 23 km with a fully charged
battery, and an average PHV fuel efficiency of 57km/L and CO2 emissions(1)
of 41 g/km under specified driving conditions combining driving performance
both as an EV and as a HV. (Results are based on the JC08 Japanese test
cycle(2) and verified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport
and Tourism of Japan.)
TMC believes that, to meet the
diversification of energy sources, plug-in hybrid vehicles are a highly
suitable environmentally considerate option. TMC is therefore actively
encouraging market introduction and aiding understanding, and to promote
the soonest widespread use of PHVs, TMC will analyze feedback regarding the
Prius Plug-in Hybrid, with an aim to begin sales in the tens of thousands
of units to the general public in two years.
TMC promotes the use of
energy sources other than gasoline, such as electricity, to limit the
consumption of fossil fuels and to reduce CO2 emissions. Thus, the company
is accelerating the development of electricity-related technologies honed
by experience gained from 12 years selling gasoline-electric HVs, the
market introduction of the "RAV4 EV" SUV and the leasing of fuel-cell HVs.
Vehicle Outline
Newly Developed Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle
System-
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid features the Toyota Hybrid System (THS)
II Plug-in, based on the THS II hybrid system used for the Prius, with a
new, battery-charging system to facilitate highly efficient charging of the
vehicle's lithium-ion battery from an external power source.
Use of
electricity from an external source dramatically decreases gasoline
consumption, with the vehicle measuring an average plug-in hybrid fuel
efficiency of 57 km/l. In EV mode the vehicle has a cruising range of 23.4
km (under the JC08 Japanese test cycle) and top cruising speeds up to 100
km/h.
Exterior-
The vehicle comes in Light Blue Mica
Metallicexclusive to the Prius Plug-in Hybridwhile the side-view mirrors,
door handles and trim around rear license plate is in high-gloss silver.
This color combination creates a cutting-edge image befitting such a
next-generation vehicle.
A standard Prius Plug-in Hybrid decal
(suggested) placed on both sides of the vehicle further distinguishes the
vehicle from other grades of the Prius. Vehicle-exclusive emblems also
feature on the fender and charging port lid.
Displays for
PHV-specific Information-
Special selectable screens that display
information for PHV operation have been added to the Prius-base car
navigation system and the Eco-Drive Monitor. The screens display
information to assist EV-mode driving (using battery power only), as well
as provide an enjoyable way to check battery-charge level and resulting
fuel consumption.
(1) Includes only CO2 emissions generated during
vehicle operation, not those generated in the production of electricity
used to charge the vehicle's battery.
(2) Newer Japanese test method
than the preceding 10-15 test cycle that better approximates actual driving
conditions, meaning that the fuel consumption rates tend to be slightly
lower than those measured under the 10-15 test cycle. Fuel-consumption
rates and cruising distances are values from specified test conditions.
Average fuel consumption and cruising distances will vary markedly
depending on such variables as driving conditions and driving methods,
particularly, daily driving distance, the battery's charge level and
air-conditioner use.
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world,
Toyota Motor Corporation , has endeavored since its establishment in 1937
to serve society by creating better products. Today, the Company
manufactures vehicles and parts at 53 production sites in 27 countries and
regions around the globe and is an active member in the communities it
serves. In fiscal 2009, ended March 31, 2009, the Toyota Group sold
approximately 7.56 million vehicles in 170 countries and regions under the
Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, and Hino brands. For more information, please
visit www.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html.