TMC Introduces 'Prius Plug-in Hybrid' into Key Markets

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by ken1784, Dec 13, 2009.

  • by ken1784, Dec 13, 2009 at 10:06 PM
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    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    It's the official announcement.

    December 14, 2009
    Tokyo — 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.
    -----
    The EV range is 23.4 km (under the JC08 Japanese test cycle) and top cruising speeds up to 100 km/h.
    The Battery charging power consumption is 3.56 kWh.

    edit to add some more information:
    The electric consumption is 6.57 km/kWh, which is 152 Wh/km or 245 Wh/mile.
    The pdf presentations are available here
    The video streaming will be placed there soon.

    Ken@Japan
    Full press release:
    TMC Introduces 'Prius Plug-in Hybrid' into Key Markets
    Tokyo — 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.
    [IMG]
    Prius Plug-in Hybrid

    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 emissions1 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 cycle2 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.


    1Includes only CO2 emissions generated during vehicle operation, not those generated in the production of electricity used to charge the vehicle's battery.

    2Newer 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.

    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 Metallic—exclusive to the Prius Plug-in Hybrid—while 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.
    • Energy Monitor Screen displays possible in EV mode driving range
    • EV-Drive Indicator on the Hybrid System Indicator Screen also indicates possible EV cruising range; driver notified of potential accelerator use with current battery charge level, thus supporting environmentally friendly driving through use of EV mode
    • Electric Vehicle Cruising Ratio Screen—exclusive to Prius Plug-in Hybrid—displays difference between driving in EV mode (using battery power only) and driving in HV mode (using both gasoline engine and battery power)

    Vehicle Specifications
    Engine displacement 1,797 cc
    Transmission Electric automatic
    Powertrain Front-wheel drive
    Length 4,460 mm
    Width 1,745 mm
    Height 1,490 mm
    Wheelbase 2,700 mm
    Track Front 1,525 mm
    Rear 1,520 mm
    Weight 1,490 kg
    Seating capacity 5
    Minimum turning radius 5.2 m
    Tire size 185/65R15

    Environmental Performance (Japan)*1
    1) Fuel efficiency when using only electric power from external source N.A.
    (no gasoline consumed)
    2) Gasoline-electric-hybrid fuel efficiency 30.6 km/L (CO2 emissions 76g)
    3) Plug-in hybrid fuel efficiency*2 57.0 km/L (CO2 emissions 41g)
    4) Cruising range when using battery power*3 23.4 km
    5) Electricity efficiency 6.57 km/kWh
    6) Electric vehicle mode cruising range*4 23.4 km
    7) Battery charging power consumption 3.56 kWh
    Emissions reduction level under 2005 standards 75% or greater
    *1Items "1" to "7" are guidelines developed by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,Transport and Tourism; *2Equals combined fuel economy of EV drive and post-EV-drive HV drive; *3When also using electric power from external charging (in the case of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, same as "Electric vehicle mode cruising range"); *4When using electric power from external charging only

    Hybrid System Specifications
    System THS II Plug-in (with motor speed reduction device)
    Engine 1.8-liter gasoline 2ZR –FXE (high-expansion ratio)
    Maximum output 73 kW (99PS)/5,200 rpm
    Maximum torque 142 N-m (14.5 kgf-m)/4,000 rpm
    Motor 3JM (permanent magnet)
    Maximum output 60 kW (82 PS)
    Maximum torque 207N-m (21.1kgf-m)
    Drive battery Lithium-ion
    Capacity 5.2 kWh
    Rated voltage 345.6 V
    Charging time Approx. 180 minutes (AC100 V)
    Approx. 100 minutes (AC200 V)
    System maximum output 100 kW (136 PS)
    System voltage Max. 650 V
    EV mode maximum speed approx. 100 km/h
    14 people like this.
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Comments

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by ken1784, Dec 13, 2009.

  1. TonyPSchaefer
    Sweet! :cheer2:

    Thanks, Ken!
  2. drees
    I'm disappointed with the limited release - was hoping it'd see real consumers by the end of next year.

    Battery back could be a bit bigger, but as it is, it should just about get me to work (12mi) and if I can plug-in there, get me back home, too.

    If not, 100mpg + 3.5 kWh (about 45c at my current rates) for my typical commute would be awesome.
  3. bestmapman
    How much is it selling for.
  4. Danny
    Thanks for posting this, Ken. I've published it to the PC front page.
    1 people like this.
  5. MERIDIAN
    :)That's great news.I have been itching to get the gen3 but have been holding out for the P/I. I love my gen2 and there will be tears and sadness when I sell it in 2011.
    Let's get movin' Toyota,I standing here with an extension cord in my hand!
  6. austingreen
    Thanks Ken,

    Other interesting things from the pdf are

    Li Battery capacity - 5.2kwh
    Weight - 1490 kg, 3280 lbs, This about 100kg more than regular prius.

    It uses the same drive, only the inverter, charger, and battery pack are different. This makes it look as if it will be easy to add aftermarket plug in kits if the computer can be reprogrammed.

    From the pdf, it looks like straight test marketing, and Toyota will lose money on every one. The battery pack size looks like it may have been chosen for the typical Japanese driving distance, and not for cost as I originally thought.


  7. hill
    You mean, "leasing for" ... don't you?

    :(

    .
  8. Gokhan
    Here are cost of fuel comparisons:

    Average cost of electricity in US: $0.125/kWh
    Electric Power Monthly - Average Retail Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by End-Use Sector, by State

    Average cost of gasoline in US: $2.634/gallon
    Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

    Gasoline-only mode: 30.6 km/L = 72.0 miles per gallon
    Electric-only mode: 6.57 km/kWh = 4.08 miles per kWh

    Using the US fuel prices above:

    Gasoline-only mode: 27.3 miles per dollar
    Electric-only mode: 32.7 miles per dollar

    So, electric-only mode is 16% cheaper than the gasoline-only mode on the average in US, but the actual fuel cost will vary with the region. We could say that with the current prices of gasoline and electricity in US, electric cars and hybrid cars cost about the same to fuel. This would change if we have $4+ gasoline again. Also, some utility companies may give discounts for electric charging. The price of electricity imposed by the utility companies for light-rail and subway trains is much lower for example.
  9. ken1784
  10. ken1784
    Well...
    Our Gen3 standard model (ZVW30) weighs 1,350kg, therefore the PHV (ZVW35) is 140kg more.

    An interesting point is the JC08 Japanese test cycle FE numbers.
    Gen3 standard model: 30.4 km/L (1,350kg)
    PHV in sustain-mode: 30.6 km/L (1,490kg)

    Why does the heavier PHV get better FE than the regular Prius?
    The answer is here.
    "While Toyota’s lithium version performed well and gave “small” fuel-economy gains because of lighter weight, nickel is favored for conventional, mass-market hybrids for its cost, said Kazuo Tojima, the carmaker’s senior staff engineer for batteries"

    I believe the Li-ion has more efficient charge/discharge power capability than the NiMH, then the results of above is not only the weight, but also the Li-ion battery's capability.

    Ken@Japan
  11. drees
    Green Car Congress has an informative article on the PHEV Prius:

    Green Car Congress: Toyota Formally Announces Introduction of Plug-in Prius Into Key Markets, Targeting Tens of Thousands in Public Sales in Two Years

    Take a look at this chart from the article:

    [IMG]

    They are aiming to cover about 50% of miles driven a day by single cars in Japan. Pretty good target for an initial release, though probably not enough for USA to hit the same percentage.

    What's informative about the chart is that Toyota has obviously tried to hit the sweet spot in terms of pack size vs benefit. You can see that once you size the pack to cover more than 50% of the miles driven per day, you quickly reach a point of diminishing returns.

    Combined with the fact that they are likely trying to keep the cost low, it's pretty clear why they've targeted 20km EV range (at least for the Japan market).

    Doubling the range to 40km (25mi) still gets you a pretty good bang for the buck where you can cover over 75% of all miles driven, but if you double the pack size again, you get to about 90%.
    1 people like this.
  12. hill
    ok Ken ... I'm counting on your source then. One insider I spoke with was told (at least in the U.S. ) the PHEV's will only be leased.

    and see paragraph 4 here:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/business/global/15toyota.html?_r=1&hp

    I hope that's wrong.

    .
  13. ken1784
    We can see the whole presentation charts shown at the top post of this thread.
    http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/tech/environment/conference09/pdf/phv_overview_en.pdf

    The video is also there.
    In April, I reported the scoop about the 20km EV range.
    http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...ill-have-12-4mile-electric-vehicle-range.html

    Ken@Japan
    1 people like this.
  14. ken1784
    I'm not clear about your comments. :(

    How about following?
    2010 Gen3 lease version PHV: 5M yen (base price for lease fee calculation)
    2011 Gen3 consumer version PHV: 3M yen (consumer price)
    2014 Gen4 consumer version PHV: 3M yen (consumer price)

    Ken@Japan
  15. Prius Team
    At TMS USA, we will not be charging our customers for the demo program vehicles. They are essentially on no-charge loan. However, other country distributors are handling their programs differently.

    We are targeting 2012 for retail sales at which time we will have pricing available (sale or lease).

    Doug Coleman
    Prius Product Manager
    Toyota Motor Sales, USA
    6 people like this.
  16. David Beale
    Cool. Thanks Doug.
  17. ken1784
    Thank you, Doug,
    Oh, I see. TMS USA offers the demo program for free.
    I believe TMC Japan will receive some mount of the fee based on the 5M yen list price for this 2010 PHV.
    OK. The 2012 PHV is as same as other vehicles (sale or lease), then.

    Ken@Japan
  18. usbseawolf2000
    Anyone noticed the tire is back to the Iconic Prius size? I wonder if it is a typo because of the 140kg weight gained.
  19. Tideland Prius
    That's the tyre size on the base "L" version in Japan.

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