While we celebrate our independence today, the rest of the world continues to plod on…
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - July 4, 2012
A 2012 Toyota Prius PHEV-11 in San Francisco - $32,000 USD to start, an 11-mile all-electric range (AER), 95 MPGe and 50 mpgUS combined rating(s) per the EPA.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is a third generation Prius hatch with an extended electric vehicle (EV) range capability. It features a new more energy dense 4.4 kWh Li-Ion battery providing the 11 miles of EV range and at speeds up to 62 mph. From a driving perspective, we have seen well beyond 20-miles from the late model prototypes.
From a charging perspective, the Prius PHEV is setup for a 2.5-3 hours charge time from empty to full using a standard 120V outlet or 1.5 hours using 240V level 2 charging port.
In addition to the plug-in EV range, the Prius PHEV adds a chrome grille and bumper trim, chrome door handles, unique 15-inch alloys, blue-accented headlamps, a distinct tail lamp design, and a new Hybrid Synergy Drive Plug-in badge.
It is available in two trims, the base and advanced. The base model is equipped with heated front seats, Remote Air Conditioning System, a charger timer, three-door Smart Key, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune and an integrated backup camera, LED Daytime Running Lights and an enhanced Multi-information Display.
The Advanced adds an HDD Navigation with Entune and JBL’s GreenEdge, PHEV Applications through a user’s smartphone (Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard), Heads-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, LED headlamps with auto on/off feature and integrated fog lamps, SofTex-trimmed seating, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Safety Connect.
The base MSRP for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is $32,000. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Advanced MSRP is$39,525. Both Prius PHEVs qualify for a federal tax credit of approximately $2,500.
Next Green Car Awards
The Prius PHEV took the win in the taking the Next Green Car Awards large family category. The Prius PHEV goes on sale in the UK beginning July 9th.
Next Green Car uses its own Green Car Rating (GCR) to rank the greenest new cars coming to market, and honors the most innovative low emission models with the Next Green Car Award. The winners were selected from shortlist of 26 of the UK’s greenest new cars for their environmental prowess, level of innovation, value for money, drive experience and design.
I pulled a sound bite from the prepared statement provided by the sites chief editor regarding the Prius PHEV:
Quote:
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“A car which offers the benefits of an electric vehicle, but without the limitations of battery range.”
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All in, a short range electric with a high fuel economy long range capability is about the best means of sustainable transportation we have available today. While the price of entry is a bit steep, it is doubtful they will stay high for too much longer with more offerings than ever reaching the consumer marketplace. At least that is my hope anyway?
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