1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

More Details and Photos Released for Prius Plug-In

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Danny, Sep 10, 2009.

  1. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2003
    7,093
    2,100
    1,174
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    The actual concept car won't be shown in the flesh until next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but Toyota released a bunch of details and new photos today of the Prius Plug-In Concept. Here are the highlights:
    • Lithium-ion battery technology allows for compact packaging and quick recharging
    • Rechargeable from domestic power supply or public charging point in about 1.5 hours
    • Extended EV (electric) driving mode of up to 12.5 miles at speeds up to 62mph
    • Over longer distances, Prius Plug-in switches to conventional petrol-electric full hybrid operation
    • CO2 emissions cut to less than 60g/km
    Press release after the photos [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG] PRESS RELEASE: 10 September 2009 TOYOTA SWITCHES ON TO AN ELECTRIC FUTURE WITH NEW PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRIDCO2 emissions cut to less than 60g/km KEY POINTS
    • New Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept reinforces Toyota's progress towards the ultimate eco-car
    • Lithium-ion battery technology allows for compact packaging and quick recharging
    • Rechargeable from domestic power supply or public charging point in around an hour-and-a-half
    • Extended EV (electric) driving mode of up to 12.5 miles at speeds up to 62mph
    • Over longer distances, Prius Plug-in switches to conventional petrol-electric full hybrid operation
    • CO2 emissions cut to less than 60g/km
    • Toyota to launch global lease programme to evaluate Prius Plug-in in early 2010
    Toyota is unveiling a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt motor show, signalling further progress towards its ambition of building the ultimate eco-car. Presentation of the new concept comes ahead of a test programme that will see more than 500 cars leased to customers worldwide for real-world evaluation of performance and monitoring of driver attitudes and experiences. Using lithium-ion batteries, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides clean, fuel-efficient electric-powered running in urban areas for longer distances and at higher speeds than the conventional, third generation full hybrid Prius. Over longer distances, or when the limit of battery power is reached, the system automatically shifts to conventional petrol power. Advanced battery technology allows for full recharging in around an hour and a half and the extended EV capability brings CO2 emissions down to around 60g/km. The plug-in hybrid concept Europe's population is increasingly urban-centred and Toyota research into commuting patterns shows that in the UK and France, more than 80 per cent of car journeys cover a distance of less than 25km; in the UK around 80 per cent are less than 10km long. These figures confirm the potential for electricity in providing short to mid-term sustainable mobility. The environmental benefits of electric cars for urban commuting are well-documented, but vehicle development has been hampered by the drawbacks of the weight, size and cost of the large capacity batteries needed to provide even a modest driving range, and the lack of an adequate recharging infrastructure. Toyota is addressing both these issues with the launch of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept. It believes that progress in battery technology makes plug-in hybrid architecture the most workable solution for an electrified powertrain. The system overcomes the issue of a limited cruising range by enabling an automatic switch to a traditional full hybrid petrol-electric system once the vehicle reaches the limit of its EV (electric vehicle) driving range. The concept model is a development of the new, third generation Prius, and builds on the core technology of Hybrid Synergy Drive specifically to meet the needs of urban motorists. It is a full hybrid vehicle in which both the electric motor and petrol engine can drive the wheels: a fully electric EV mode is used for shorter distances, while the petrol engine provides a true long-range capability. As well as avoiding the limited range traditionally associated with electric vehicles, Toyota has also achieved a compact and practical packaging design for the battery pack. Prius Plug-in can be also be quickly recharged, from a conventional household electricity point, or a public charging post. More than 500 Prius Plug-in cars will be released around the world early next year for lease programme, with more than 150 of these on the road in Europe. This will let Toyota evaluate all the technical aspects of the new model in a real-world environment, an essential step in preparing the vehicle for a potential market launch. The lease programme will also yield valuable intelligence on market response and which characteristics drivers find appealing, and why. Performance The Prius Plug-in Concept's powertrain is similar in format to the Hybrid Synergy Drive used in the new Prius, but with the nickel-metal hydride battery pack replaced by a new, high-output lithium-ion battery – a first for a Toyota hybrid vehicle. The new battery is more compact and has a higher volumetric energy density, so it does not compromise vehicle weight and packaging. Perhaps more importantly, it can be recharged much more quickly than the nickel-metal hydride type: the battery in the Prius Plug-in can be fully recharged in one-and-a-half hours from a 230v power supply. The battery allows strong, seamless acceleration up to a maximum 62mph (100km/h) in EV mode. On a full charge, it can cover approximately 12.5miles (20km) in EV mode, six miles further than the nickel-metal hydride battery in the latest Prius model. Over longer distances, the car operates as a regular full hybrid. The car's extended EV performance has a significant impact on emissions, with CO2 output dropping to less than 60g/km and, as with other full hybrid models, reduced NOx and particulates (PM) levels. Even greater CO2 savings can also be gained if the electricity used to charge the battery is drawn from renewable sources, such as windmills and solar panels. Simply put, the lower the percentage of energy derived from fossil fuels, the better the car's well-to-wheel CO2 performance. Convenience The Prius Plug-in Concept is every bit as comfortable, convenient and practical as the latest generation Prius. As in its sister model, the air conditioning can be activated remotely, when the vehicle is plugged, enabling the cabin to be brought to the right temperature before setting off. To help drivers maximise the benefits of driving in EV mode, it is equipped with a Hybrid System Indicator, which includes information on the EV driving range, based on the level of battery charge. An engine starting point display has also been added to emphasise the increase in EV driving range. The Electro Multi-Vision screen on the dashboard also offers a display that highlights the plug-in hybrid's contribution to reducing CO2 emissions, showing a computer graphic image of single tree that gradually increases to whole forest as the battery charging process takes place. As a significant development in environmentally responsible mobility, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept offers commuters and people who live in urban areas all the benefits of an electric vehicle, with none of the drawbacks. Outline technical specifications ENGINE Displacement (cc) 1,798 Max. power (bhp @ rpm) 97 @ 4,000 Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) 142 @ 4,000 MOTOR Type Permanent magnet synchronous motor Max. output (bhp) 79 Max. torque (Nm) 207 HV BATTERY Type Lithium-ion EV cruising range (miles) 12.5 Recharging time (min) 100V 180 (target) 200V 100 (target) EMISSIONS CO2 (g/km) I] EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS Overall length (mm) 4,460 Overall width (mm) 1,745 Overall height (mm) 1,490 Disclaimer 1. Fuel consumption and CO2 values are measured in a controlled environment, in accordance with the requirements of Directive 80/1268/EEC, including its amendments, on a basic production vehicle. For more information about the basic production vehicle, please contact the Toyota press office. 2. The fuel consumption and CO2 values of your vehicle may very from those measured. Driving behaviour, as well as other factors (such as road conditions, traffic, vehicle conditions, installed equipment, load, number of passenger, etc) play a role in determining a car's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
     
    4 people like this.
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,589
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Bring on the Plug In Prius, I'm ready Toyota! :D My commute to work is something like 11-12 miles one way and I have the ability to plug in while at work, so I truly cannot wait for plug in availability.
     
    vvillovv likes this.
  3. quantumslip

    quantumslip Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2009
    149
    13
    0
    Location:
    Sugar Land, TX
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    i wonder, if you ride the regen brakes on a really long hill in this car, could you fill up the lithium battery all the way? :D

    it would be cool to know how the car operates in conventional hybrid mode (how far will the engine recharge the battery?). would be cool to come off a long highway trip to have 12 miles of EV mode ready for you to use.
     
  4. radiocycle

    radiocycle Active Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2007
    550
    78
    0
    Location:
    Vallejo, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Well, I'd hate to trade in my brand new Gen III, but I'd do it in a heartbeat if I could plug in! Twelve miles is a 'good enough' start, let's just get some on the road and see how this plays out.
     
  5. Manksgloob

    Manksgloob Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    243
    13
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hm, I was hoping for a larger EV range, but yes, this is a good start.

    I, too, hope that the additional battery capacity can be utilized to store energy produced while operating the vehicle (regenerative braking or whatnot) unlike in the Chevy Volt where once it's done, it's done until you plug it in again (or so I've read).

    When this hits production, I hope it can be available with all of the packages. I would hate to see a repeat and have to pick between solar roof, advanced technology, OR plug-in :-\

    Count me as a vote for an "all-in-one" model!
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,768
    16,017
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Very interesting and the specs are much better than before (granted some are b/c of Li-Ion technology). 20km eh? That's a round trip for me!
     
    vvillovv likes this.
  7. Jim Calvert

    Jim Calvert New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    255
    28
    8
    Location:
    Worthington, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Thanks for the news about Prius Plug-ins. For several years now I've been urging (via e-mail) Toyota to produce a plug-in version of the Prius, and most likely thousands of other Prius enthusiasts have been doing the same thing. Looks like Toyota is finally relenting.

    Twelve miles of range in EV mode may not seem like much - but will (from my experience) provide more than enough range for an average local errand. I have a Zenn all electric vehicle, and my errands hardly ever exceed 8 miles or so, and I just keep it plugged in at home when it is not being used. That way the battery pack stays charged up, allowing for repeated errands during the day - and no gasoline is being burned.
     
  8. DeadPhish

    DeadPhish Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2005
    2,010
    353
    0
    Location:
    Outer Banks of NC.. Retired to play golf and poker
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hybrid Warranty????
     
  9. SureValla

    SureValla Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2007
    590
    21
    15
    Location:
    Shelton, CT
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    III
    This information is worthless until you know how much the car costs. I know a lot of prius owners are not in it to make the money back on gas but it has to be close.
     
  10. Nevillewc

    Nevillewc New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2006
    43
    2
    0
    Location:
    New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    As usual, its what the PR doesn't say.

    "The Prius Plug-in Concept's powertrain is similar in format to the Hybrid Synergy Drive used in the new Prius, but with the nickel-metal hydride battery pack replaced by a new, high-output lithium-ion battery"

    Does this mean you can retrofit a Lithium pack in an existing Prius 3?
    Is it just new software or is there a change to the mechanics to go at 62mph (100km/h) in EV mode?

    Where is the plug?
    Has anyone looked to see if the existing Prius3 already been designed for a plug?
     
  11. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2004
    14,487
    2,994
    0
    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Nice, it does not add weight nor give up the spare tire. It fits in the same location as the current NiMH pack.

    Regen brake should be so much better! It would recapture faster and store more with less heat generated.
     
    vvillovv likes this.
  12. ml194152

    ml194152 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    135
    2
    0
    Location:
    Katy, TX
    I'm starting to sour on the PHV Prius. Toyota waited too long to come out with it. With the announcement of the all-electric Nissan Leaf with 100-mile range on a single charge, why pay for all the complexity of a gas engine along with electric motors? My wife is a stay-at-home mom and only drives within 5 miles of the house all day. The Leaf would seem a better choice for people like her.
     
  13. finman

    finman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2004
    1,287
    111
    0
    Location:
    Albany, OR
    Vehicle:
    2014 Nissan LEAF
    This is the point! CHOICE! some will want/need a plug-in gas -electric hybrid. Some will want/need an all-electric plug-in vehicle. 'bout time these types of choices get to us.
     
  14. DeadPhish

    DeadPhish Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2005
    2,010
    353
    0
    Location:
    Outer Banks of NC.. Retired to play golf and poker
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A

    Precisely, CHOICE. I for one would have little interest in a PHEV vehicle from any maker unless the price was no different than a 'traditional' Toyota hybrid. I drive too many miles for a 12 or 20 or even 40 mile EV-range to have any benefit for me.

    Now at 50-60 gas-free miles and a $30000 pricetag I'm beginning to be interested. The smaller all-EV's that will be coming out are immediately disqualified...too small and too basic.

    The current HSD vehicles suit me much better.
     
  15. drees

    drees Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2007
    1,782
    247
    0
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    How much do you drive, exactly? You must be driving 200-300+ miles at a time without stops?

    What's so magical about a 50-60 EV range vs 40? That's only 25%-50% more range.
     
  16. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2005
    4,089
    468
    0
    Location:
    Bahstahn
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    There's no way anyone's going to pull 60 kW out of that battery.
    That's 300 amps at 200V, or 200 at 300 if they up the voltage,
    so a system commeasurate with the listed motor output capacity
    would have to be a total redesign rather than something
    piggybacked onto the existing Prius design.
    .
    _H*
     
    vvillovv likes this.
  17. DeadPhish

    DeadPhish Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2005
    2,010
    353
    0
    Location:
    Outer Banks of NC.. Retired to play golf and poker
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A

    I drive 150 mi every day over the last 10 yrs. There's a dual 'trigger' for me. The EV range would have to cover about one third of my daily drive and the price would have to be about $30000 max for me to consider any PHEV.

    A vehicle for me is simply a 'driving tool' that I hang up in the garage every night. Like most tools I simply want it to work every time at the lowest possible cost. It gets dirty, scratched and dented a little with repeated usage.

    Which to choose? A $25000 HSD Prius or $30000 PHEV Prius? A $40000 PHEV Prius ( or any vehicle ) is out of the question.
     
    1 person likes this.
  18. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    892
    73
    0
    Location:
    Cobourg, On, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I find this a hard statement to understand:confused:
    You write you are Sr. Hybrid Specialist at Priority Toyota Chesapeake, and you think of the Prius it is just a tool that you have no passion for :eek:
    I just do not get it
     
  19. wwu123

    wwu123 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2005
    62
    11
    2

    Well, I'm not sure he meant "just" a tool. It sounds from his sig that he works with many tools everyday in the garage, and he values a good quality tool - not flashy, a workhorse that takes a bit of abuse, but does what it does reliably and consistently, i.e. substance over style.

    But I'm just speculating on what he said as well....:rolleyes:
     
  20. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,979
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Unfortunately up here in Canada we also need cabin heat for about 6 mo of the year and big time cabin heat for 4 of those. I doubt -very much- the PHEV would work well during that time.

    But it's still cool and useful. ;)
     
    vvillovv likes this.