The Prius returns, now only as a plug-in hybrid

Although Toyota already offered a plug-in hybrid Prius in both the second and third generations of this model, at the time this technology was not very popular and was very expensive compared with conventional hybrids. But things have changed a great deal, electrification is advancing relentlessly, and 100% electric cars are starting to appear in a race where plug-in hybrids are the first to take the baton.

For this reason, Toyota has decided to replace the self-charging hybrid version of the fourth-generation Prius, which was sold from 2016 to the end of 2019, to make way for this new Prius Plug-In with PHEV plug-in hybrid technology. In addition, the 2021 Toyota Prius does not only arrive with a plug. The Japanese brand has taken the opportunity to give it a complete image overhaul compared with the previous hybrid Prius.

Up to 45 km of electric-mode range and a roof with solar panels

The new Prius PHEV’s propulsion system uses the 1.8-litre petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle with 98 CV that the regular Prius Hybrid already used, combined with two electric motors: a main one with 71 CV and a secondary one with 31 CV, for a total system output of 122 CV. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 8.8 kWh, which allows an electric-mode range of up to 45 km, with a top speed of 135 km/h. The battery can be recharged from a domestic socket in under 4 hours, or in just over 2 hours using a 3.3 kW charger.

An interesting innovation is the roof with solar panels. When the car is moving, the solar energy these panels generate goes to the car’s auxiliary battery, in order to reduce the electricity consumption of systems such as the electric windows or the instrument cluster. However, while the car is parked, this energy is transferred directly to the propulsion system battery, unless it is already at 100%, in which case it is diverted to the auxiliary battery.

Maximum efficiency

Toyota does not provide data on how much this technology increases the Prius PHEV’s electric range. What it does boast is great efficiency. In fact, there are no plug-in hybrids on the market that achieve a similar electric range with a battery of less than 9 kWh. Electricity consumption on the combined cycle WLTP is just 9.9 l/100 km, with an average fuel consumption of between 1.3 and 1.5 l/100 km. Together with the Toyota Mirai hydrogen car, and while awaiting the start of sales of the Rav-4 PHEV, it is the second Toyota model to display the CERO environmental label from the DGT.

Some of the keys to this efficiency are the innovative gas-injection climate control system, which according to the brand is up to 2.5 times more efficient than an electric automatic air conditioner. It also features a heating system for the electric battery that ensures performance and range even at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius.

The Prius PHEV offers three driving modes. In EV mode it uses both electric motors, while in EV City mode (at low speed) only the more powerful electric motor is used. When the battery runs down, the HV hybrid mode engages automatically.

Three trim levels, prices from 33,900 euros

Toyota offers three trim levels for the Prius Plug-In: Advance, Solar and Luxury. Prices start at 33,900 euros, including the brand’s 4,000 euro promotional discount. With the Toyota Easy financing programme it is available with a monthly payment of 275 euros, or 304 euros a month with the warranty extended to 4 years and 4 years of free maintenance.

Even the entry level includes an 8-inch touchscreen, alloy wheels, LED matrix headlights, air conditioning, rear-view camera, heated front seats, keyless entry and start system, satnav, and the driver assistance and safety systems included in the Toyota Safety Sense package.

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The Solar versions add the aforementioned solar-panel roof; it is worth thinking carefully about, as the price rises by 3,250 euros, to 37,150 euros. The same price applies to the Luxury versions, which focus on luxury and comfort by adding leather upholstery, electric front seats, a wireless phone charger, a head-up display, blind-spot detection and a parking manoeuvre assistant to the Advance trim.

Among the options, to make charging easier, Toyota offers different types of wallbox chargers aimed at private customers, ranging from the so-called “Entry”, at 650 euros, with a fixed integrated cable, to the so-called “Connected”, with remote connection for managing charging from a distance, which costs 1,250 euros and requires a Mennekes cable. There is also a double charger designed for fleets, which allows two Prius cars to be charged simultaneously. It costs 2,350 euros.

Image gallery Toyota Prius Plug-In