Yesterday we attended Toyota’s Green Drive Expo where we got the chance to take the production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid (PEV) — and its smorgasbord of technology — for a spin. We spent a pair hours driving interfacing with the computers aboard the Advanced model, which besides being outlet-friendly, includes some unique features in the Prius lineup. Explore our gallery below, and hit the break for our impressions and hands-on videos with the newest incarnation of Toyota’s iconic vehicle.
The plug-in hybrid is a basically a 2012 Prius with a bigger capacity 4.4kWh lithium-ion battery in preference to the common-or-garden NiMH pack, an integral battery charger and an industry-standard charging port. As such, this Prius could be charged and driven like a real electric car for as much as 15 miles at hurries up to 62mph before the inner combustion engine kicks in. Spirited driving can even cause the engine to help the electrical motor, but almost always EV mode is a petroleum-free experience. It takes about three hours to totally charge the battery using a normal 120V household outlet, and 1.5 hours from a 240V supply. A charger cable is conveniently located within a cubbyhole within the trunk area.
Moreover the original charging port (with illumination), the Prius plug-in includes a backup camera, LED daytime running lights and at the Advanced trim we drove, LED headlights (with washers) in addition to a millimeter wave radar sensor for the dynamic cruise control and pre-collision systems. Once inside, you’re treated to the standard full-on Star Trek experience — the Prius plug-in improves upon its hybrid sibling with a better resolution multi-information panel (which also shows EV specific data) paired with Toyota’s Touch Tracer Display . The Advanced model adds a tough drive to the JBL-branded navigation system, OnStar -like functionailty and a heads-up display that shows speed and switch-by-turn directions.
The star of the show is certainly Toyota’s 0 Entune 0 infotainment system, eventually include additional apps unique to the Advanced trim (Charge Management, Remote Air con System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard). Sadly, these enhancements are still being finalized and weren’t available at the car we test-drove. The voice-controlled navigation takes a little bit time to master, however the touchscreen interface is intuitive and simple to make use of.
Once behind the wheel, the excellent news is that it drives like a Prius and the bad news is that it drives like a Prius. The plug-in version feels almost just like the hybrid model — it is not an interesting experience for the driving force, nevertheless it provides a competent, safe, and cushty solution to travel from point A to indicate B. Aside from the torquey electric motor, there’s simply too little feedback from the vehicle to generate any type of driving excitement. The suspension within reason well sorted, however the regenerative brakes still feel strange, and the steering is just too slow/numb. It is a lot like driving a posh, high-tech toaster — a reliable appliance that gets the job kept away from much fanfare, but without burning your Pop-Tarts.
Regardless of — there’s lots of gadgetry around to maintain everyone entertained. Toyota’s Prius plug-in hybrid shall be available in March 2012 with a starting price of $32,000.
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