Toyota has confirmed the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motorshow in September.
Prototype versions of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid first appeared at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show; the idea is a simple one – increasing the capacity of the battery pack and allowing it to be pre-charged via the mains (hence ‘Plug-in’) means more mpg and lower emissions on the road.
Simple theory, dramatic results: with the extended electric-only range the improved battery pack allows, Toyota is targeting 128.4mpg.
This is subject to full homologation, but is based on the usual EU testing procedure that every other new car currently undergoes – and is equivalent to just 49g/km CO2.
Putting that into perspective, a regular Prius returns a best of 72.4mpg with 89g/km CO2 (depending on spec). A new, more compact lithium ion battery pack is key to the PHEV’s gains.
The Prius Plug-in is set to become the flagship of the Toyota hybrid range when it goes on sale in 2012, alongside the regular car and the forthcoming Prius+ seven-seater, as well as the Auris Hybrid and the recently announced Yaris Hybrid.
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