Toyota Prius Plug-In To Launch at Frankfurt Auto Show

[msirach]

PIP (Plug In Prius) to debut later this month.

Mike Sirach - CleanMPG - September 9, 2009

Based on the third-generation Prius, the PHV Concept expands Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, utilizing first generation lithium-ion battery technology and enabling electric operation at higher speeds and longer distances than conventional hybrids. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve an electric-only range of approximately 12 miles and will be capable of achieving highway speeds in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the PHV concept reverts to "hybrid mode" and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure electric vehicles.

Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will begin global delivery of 500 Prius PHV vehicles. Of this initial fleet, 150 will be placed with select U.S. lease-fleet customers for market and engineering analysis. This program will allow Toyota to gather real world driving feedback and understand customer expectations for plug-in technology. In addition, the program will allow evaluation of the first generation lithium-ion battery's durability, reliability and performance.

"The greatest hurdle in bringing to market a reliable lithium battery is mass production. We must have a production process that guarantees each battery will be identical in performance and quality," said Irv Miller, Toyota Group VP, environmental and public affairs.

The vehicle's first-generation lithium-ion battery will be built on a dedicated PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) assembly line. PEVE is a joint-venture in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. The first generation lithium-ion batteries were developed in-house by Toyota Research and Development, and a dedicated battery development team is already working on the next battery "beyond lithium."

The 150 demonstration vehicles will be placed in strategic clusters around the U.S., allowing development of charging infrastructure and communications support for program participants. Each placement scenario will have a variety of 'use cases' or driving conditions (ie: commute length, usage type, access to charging) to gain maximum input to vehicle performance and customer needs.

"Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it's more important that we are best to market," said Miller. "This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them."

2010 Prius-III PHEV-12 Specs

• Engine Displacement: 1,797 cc
• Maximum output: 73 kW (99 PS)/5200 rpm
• Maximum torque: 142 N·m (14.5kgf·m)/4000 rpm
  
  
• Motor Type: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
• Maximum output: 60 kW (82 PS)
• Maximum torque: 207 N·m (21.1kgf·m)
  
  
• HV battery Type: Li-Ion battery
  
  
• CO2 emissions: Below 60 g/km (target) on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC)
• EV cruising range: Approx. 12 miles (target) on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC)
• Recharging time: 100V approx. 180 minutes (target) - 200V approx. 100 minutes (target)

[echoman]

"Importantly, unlike the 2011 Volt, the 2010 Fisker Karma, and other "series hybrids," the Plug-In Prius will not run entirely in electric mode until its pack is depleted before switching on the engine.

Instead, the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will extend the range and speed of the car's all-electric mode, but retain the ability to switch the engine on and off as needed."

If this is true, to me its alittle disappointing. I always thought that toyota would have an electric only range before the gas engine came on. I thought maybe they would beable to make the car drive at lest as far as the volt. Iv been reading that some plug ins are capable of 100 km pluse.

[Elixer]

It is however to be expected. To make the Prius able to run on just electricity under a wide range of conditions (fast accelerations and speeds over 40 mph) it would need upgraded electric motors and a redesigned control system, things that would be far too costly for them to invest in just for 150 vehicles. My guess is that what they've done is upgrade the battery packs and made some small tweaks to the control system. I doubt these cars are very dissimilar from normal Prii (What's the plural of Prius?) with plug in kits added.

[Shiba3420]

I hope they add an EV mode, that will lock the car into electric unless you exceed a certain speed or really floor it. If you push the throttle a little harder than EV would normally allow, just ignore the request and acceleratate as the electric motors permit.

I'm rather glad they are keeping the design "as is". Its makes the development and production cheaper for the first few gens. Over time, they can increase the size of the batteries and electric motors, while decreasing the size of the gas motor until they reach a point where going with a design like the Volt makes sense.