New Toyota Prius Plug-in: equipment, engines and price in Spain

Toyota is a brand committed to electric mobility and so it comes as no surprise to find new models that use any of the electric modes it has developed for its cars. The latest offering is the Toyota Prius Plug-In, which replaces the Toyota Prius Electric Hybrid and now has a price in Spain.

Let’s take a look at what this model has to offer and how much it will cost in our country. The Prius Plug-in promises a substantial improvement over its predecessor and for that reason it will use plug-in hybrid technology, which is more practical than the hybrid it has used so far. Let’s see what it offers.

Engines and range

To improve its performance, the Toyota Prius Plug-in features a 1.8-litre combustion engine producing 98 CV. Alongside this engine there are two electric motors. The first is capable of delivering 71 CV and the second 31 CV. Combining the two motors gives a total output of 67 kW, equivalent to 91 CV, a figure that is 20 CV more than the previous Toyota Hybrid.

In total, the plug-in hybrid system delivers a combined output of 122 CV and its battery has a capacity of 8.8 kWh. The range in fully electric mode reaches 45 kilometres, while fuel consumption is rated at 1.3–1.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the WLTP homologated cycle, with emissions of 28–35 g/km, also under the same homologation.

The model has three driving modes. The EV mode allows up to 45 kilometres without the combustion engine running, while the EV City mode enables the main electric motor and allows driving through Low Emission Zones, car parks and other places where electric mobility is advisable. Finally, the HV mode combines both types of propulsion for maximum efficiency.

Technology of the Prius Plug-in

Among the technological innovations found on the model is the gas-powered air conditioning system, which is more efficient than electric air conditioning and does not require the combustion engine to be running. Electric battery heating also ensures that cold weather does not affect its performance, working at temperatures of around -20ºC.

Solar panels on the roof feed a dedicated battery, whose energy goes to the main or auxiliary battery to power the electric windows, the instrument cluster, etc. If the panels’ dedicated battery is full, the energy they generate passes to the auxiliary battery.

In terms of its physical appearance, there are differences between the current model and the new one. The new one uses the Yu-Bi-Shin design language, which means Ingenious Beauty. Inside we find an 8-inch multimedia screen with the Toyota Touch 2 information and entertainment system, which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

There are three trim levels available, Advance, Solar and Luxury. The base equipment is already remarkable and is expanded in each trim to offer the best possible service.

Price for Spain

The price in Spain for this model starts at 33,900 euros for the Advance trim, rising to 37,150 euros for the Solar trim, a price that is the same for the Luxury trim. There are various add-ons that can increase the final price, and offers on different types of chargers. A renting scheme is also available, which can make it very affordable to have a Toyota Prius Plug-in for a monthly amount starting at 450 euros per month.