$35,700 before provincial government incentives.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Sept. 7, 2012
2012 Toyota Prius PHEV-11 – In Canada, its $35,700 to start with a 117.6 MPGe (equivalent rating) when on the plug.
While at the Spark regional in Chicago yesterday, this PR came across the desktop…
The newest 2012 Prius PHEV is now available through Toyota dealerships across Canada at a suggested starting price of just $35,700. Add to that applicable government incentives in certain provinces of up to $5,092, and the Prius plug-in delivers value.
The Prius PHEV is based off the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive technology with a lightweight Li-Ion battery pack. The smallish 4 kWh pack (a significant percentage of that is not useable) can take as little as 90 minutes on a Level2 220V outlet or 3 hours when connected to a 110v 15 amp socket all homes “with electricity” are equipped with.
The Prius PHEV is rated at 2.0 L/100 KM or 117.6 MPGe (city/highway combined) equivalent when taking advantage of the Prius Electric Vehicle (EV) capabilities with a range of 15.5 miles (city driving) on the Canada transport tests or 11 miles (combined) on the EPA. The Prius Plug-in is also capable of driving in EV mode up to 62 mph albeit gingerly.
The Prius PHEV arrives with remote A/C with automatic temperature control, heated front seats, display audio with navigation and unique alloy wheels. An available and expensive Technology Package adds radar cruise control and auto-leveling LED headlamps.
The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is now available through Toyota Dealerships across Canada.
Our take
The Prius PHEV interior appointments, ride, and handling are near the bottom of the C-segment class whereas the drive train under standard hybrid mode is superlative for saving fuel. A lot of noise is generated when hitting it however.
Where the PHEV falls short is the ability to accelerate quickly as the pack/motor is limited to < ½ that available from the atkinsonized 1.8L by its lonesome. Fortunately most will not need that level of power under most driving conditions so the engine will kick on when you need it and shut back down afterwards allowing you to consume the rest of the packs stored energy until depleted and hybrid mode becomes the norm.
Adn then there is pricing. Unfortunately the up charge for the PHEVs 4 kWh Li-Ion pack over and above the standard Prius’ 1.3 kWh NiMH is exorbitant
Linear Mode
