A full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers impressive, seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet operation, while returning unparalleled fuel efficiency (2.1 l/100 km in the European homologation combined cycle) and extremely low emissions (49 g/km).

Moreover, when operating in its extended EV mode, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid generates zero CO₂, NOx and particulate emissions, driving with city-crossing capability for up to 25 kilometres at speeds of up to 85 km/h, dependant on battery charge and driving conditions.

After the EV range has been expended, the full hybrid system still returns fuel consumption of only 3.7 l/100 km, and generates class-leading CO₂ emissions of just 85 g/km. These figures are even lower than that of regular Prius, mainly due to the vehicle's Lithium-ion battery, which can more efficiently recover energy under braking, recharging the battery more quickly and allowing owners to drive more often in EV mode.

Weighing only 80 kg, the battery pack of 4.4 kWh can be fully recharged in 1.5 hours from a standard, 230V household outlet. And thanks to this compact battery pack, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid weighs only 55 kg more than a standard Prius.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid weighs just1,425 kg, only 55 kg more than a standard Prius. The weight of the newLithium-ion battery has been limited to just 80 kg, 50% less than that of the2010 prototype vehicle's battery pack and only 38 kg more than that of regularPrius' nickel metal-hydride battery, despite an extension of the car's EVdriving mode range. 

As with every member of the Priusfamily, in order to fully benefit from its light-weight, high tensile steel andaluminium construction and Hybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain, thePrius Plug-in Hybrid's distinctive exterior design focuses on maximisingaerodynamic efficiency to improve fuel economy, handling stability andquietness. The result is an aerodynamic vehicle with an excellent coefficientof drag of only Cd 0.25, which it shares with the standard Prius. 

The front of the new Prius Plug-inHybrid features the latest representation of Toyota's trapezoidal, Under Priority design. Beneath an uppergrille opening kept as small as possible to maintain a smooth airflow over theupper body, the lower grille has been enlarged, and incorporates achrome-plated moulding and a silver accent colour to the upper trim panel.

The upper headlamp extension areafeatures a blue smoke paint finish to further differentiate the new Toyota PHVfrom the rest of the Prius family.

In profile, the new Prius Plug-inHybrid may be identified by a battery charger lid located on the opposite rearwing to the fuel filler cap, which features a silver plug logo to readilydifferentiate it from the fuel cap. Additional PHEV-specific details include asilver accent finish to the door handles, an exclusive new 15", 5 spoke alloywheel design which contributes to aerodynamic performance, and a frontfender-mounted Plug-in Hybrid logo.

To the rear, the large, energyefficient LED lamp clusters are finished with a unique, clear lens, the licensegarnish features an exclusive silver accent colour, and the Hybrid SynergyDrive^® badging has been adapted to incorporate a plug-in symbol.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is availablein a six colour range Silver, Abyss Grey, Pearl White, Super White, FrostyGreen and, exclusive to the new Toyota PHEV, True Blue.

Innovativeand Spacious Interior Design

Despite a significant increase in EVmode driving range, the highly compact packaging of the new Lithium-ion batterypack means that neither rear passenger accommodation nor loadspace have beencompromised. 

The new Toyota PHEV accommodates 5people and has a luggage capacity of 443 litres with the rear seats inposition, only 2 litres smaller than that of the standard Prius, with the addedbenefit of a 22 litre storage box beneath the loadspace deck. With the 60:40split rear seats folded down to give a flat loadspace floor, luggage capacityincreases to a total of 1,120 litres.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid shares thethird generation Prius' dual-zone dashboard, designed to both minimise the needfor driver eye movement while viewing vehicle information and to provideergonomic functionality of all controls and switchgear. The new PHEV'sdashboard is hallmarked by high brightness silver paint trim and a Plug-inHybrid-exclusive logo.

The upper, 'display zone' focuses onthe combination of a head-up display and a rebated centre meter clusterpositioned at an ideal distance for at-a-glance reading of vehicle statusinformation. As well as vehicle speed and other conventional instrumentation,the LED meter also incorporates a Touch Tracer display, and an ECO DriveSupport Monitor with expanded content and functionality.

The lower 'command zone' ischaracterised by a distinctive, asymmetric 'bridge' construction which not onlyplaces the fly-by-wire transmission lever within the closest possible reach ofthe driver's hand but also creates a generous additional storage compartmentbelow. This lower zone focuses onthe full-colour Toyota Touch display screen, placing the control of audio andsatellite navigation systems within easy reach of the driver.

The front seats now benefit from anew, two-step heater system with improved control to suppress temperaturefluctuations and enhance comfort. In Eco mode, the seat heaters are nowautomatically coordinated with the air conditioning system. They activate towarm occupants more quickly, reducing the load on the air conditioning systemto further increase the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's fuel efficiency.

Buildingon the core technology of Toyota's renowned full hybrid powertrain, the PriusPlug-in Hybrid addresses the specific needs of urban-based customers with asignificantly extended, fully-electric EV driving range of 25 km for shorter,cross-city journeys, while the hybrid powertrain's petrol engine awards the newToyota PHEV true long range capability of over 1,200 km.

Afull hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, as well asa combination of both, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers impressive, seamlessacceleration and remarkably quiet operation, while returning unparalleled fuelefficiency and the lowest possible emissions. 

Thenew Toyota PHEV automatically operates in full hybrid mode once the extended EVrange has been expended. This removes the range anxiety which has come totypify the driving of fully electric vehicles. Moreover, the uniquecharacteristics of Toyota's full hybrid powertrain require no change in drivingstyle or behaviour.

Performance— unparalleled fuel efficiency and emissions

TheHybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain generates a total system poweroutput of 136 DIN hp and allows the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to accelerateseamlessly from 0-100 km/h in 11.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 180 km/h. 

Conversely,with the new Toyota PHEV's overall fuel efficiency significantly enhanced byits extended EV range, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid returns a remarkably low fuelconsumption figure of only 2.1 l/100 km in the European homologation combinedcycle — an increase in fuel efficiency of over 45% compared to theregular Prius. 

Commensurately,CO₂ emissions have also fallen to just 49 g/km. In addition, the newPHEV generates significantly lower NO_X and particulate emissionsthan diesel engined cars of comparable performance. 

Moreover,when operating in its extended EV mode, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid generates zeroCO₂, NO_X and particulate emissions, driving withcity-crossing capability for up to 25 kilometres at speeds of up to 85 km/h,dependant on battery charge and driving conditions. 

Thoughits extended EV range plays a significant part in lowering the new ToyotaPHEV's combined cycle fuel economy and emissions, the Prius Plug-in Hybridremains remarkably efficient when operating purely in full hybrid drive mode. 

Afterthe EV range has been expended, the HSD system still returns fuel consumptionof only 3.7 l/100 km, and generates class-leading CO₂ emissions ofjust 85 g/km. These figures are even lower than that of regular Prius, mainlydue to the vehicle's new Lithium-ion battery, which can more efficientlyrecover energy under braking, recharging the battery more quickly and allowingowners to drive more often in EV mode. 

Inaddition, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid has been fitted with the latest generationof low rolling resistance tyres. 

Thanksto its highly efficient HSD powertrain, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid'senvironmental performance in hybrid mode is superior to rival plug-ins inrange-extender mode.

HybridSynergy Drive^® — PHEV system architecture

Thenew Toyota PHEV's series/parallel full hybrid system features a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine, a powerful electricmotor, a generator, a high performance Lithium-ion battery and a power controlunit. A power split device employs a planetary gear set to combine andre-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator according tooperational requirements. 

Keyto the successful installation of Hybrid Synergy Drive^® within thePrius Plug-in Hybrid's front-engined platform, the electric motor, generatorand power split device are all housed in one transmission casing the size of aconventional gearbox. 

Unlikea conventional, belt-driven CVT transmission, HSD delivers driving torquethrough a power split device in the form of planetary gear set. The generatoris connected to the sun gear. The engine is connected to the planetary piniongear carrier. And the electric motor is connected to the outer, ring gear,itself directly connected to the differential, which drives the wheels. Hence,with power transmitted to it either from the engine, the electric motor, or acombination of the two, the rotational speed of the ring gear determines thespeed of the vehicle.

Systempower is provided by a lightweight, highly compact, 4-cylinder, 1,798 cc, Atkinson cycle VVT-i petrol enginedeveloping 99 DIN hp/73 kW at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, anda high performance, permanent magnet, synchronous 60 kW electric motorgenerating instant power from 0 rpm and a maximum 207 Nm of torque. The petrolengine and electric motor combine to give a total system power output of 136 DIN hp/100 kW.

Poweredby the hybrid Lithium-ion battery, the electric motor works in tandem with thepetrol engine to boost acceleration during normal driving. Power allocation isconstantly adjusted between engine and electric motor to combine optimumperformance with maximum fuel efficiency. 

Theelectric motor alone powers the driven wheels when the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is operating in expanded EV mode. AnEV range of up to 25 km is dictated by battery charge and driving conditions.However, once the EV battery charge has been exhausted, the Toyota PHEVautomatically operates as a full hybrid until recharged from an external powersupply, thus eradicating the limited range constraints of a conventionalelectric vehicle.

Maximisingthe Hybrid Synergy Drive^® system's efficiency, and regardless of thedriving mode selected, the electric motor also acts as a high-output generatorduring deceleration and under braking, to effect regenerative braking. Normallywasted as heat, kinetic energy is recovered as electrical energy for storage inthe high performance Lithium-ion battery.

NewCompact, Lightweight and High-capacity Lithium-ion battery

Fundamentalto the successful commercial application of PHEV technology, the Prius Plug-inHybrid features a newly developed Lithium-ion battery pack.

Lithium-ionbatteries have been selected because they have ideal characteristics for use ina PHEV. They have a superior volume energy density and are very compact,offering a larger EV driving range with little adverse weight or packagingissues. They can be recharged quickly and can effectively recover energy underbraking, improving HSD system efficiency.

Asa result of Toyota's and its partners' continuous effort for improvement , thePrius Plug-in Hybrid's Lithium-ion battery pack has a 4.4 kWh capacity -almostfour times that of the latest generation Prius- and its SOC (State of Charge)for use has been enhanced to approximately 60%.To manage the increase involtage output of the new battery, the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system's revisedPower Control Unit (PCU) features a new voltage boost converter with evengreater durability.

Despitethis increase in power output, significant changes to the 288 cell battery packused in prototype versions of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid have allowed for the newLithium-ion pack's installation with no impact on rear passenger seataccommodation or luggage space, which are now almost identical to that of thestandard Prius.

Thecapacity of each battery cell has been enlarged four-fold over those of theprototype vehicles, and the new battery is now a 56 cell, one pack structurecomprising a stack of four, 14 cell, series-connected batteries. 

Inconjunction with the adoption of a new aluminium frame structure, theserevisions have reduced the volume of the battery pack from 201.7 to just 87.2 litres and halved its weight from 160 to only 80kg. As a result, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid weighs only 55 kg more than astandard Prius.

Rapid,Convenient Battery Recharging System

Viaa battery charger inlet conveniently located beneath a discreet, flush-mountedpanel in the opposite rear wing to the Toyota PHEV's fuel filler cap, thebattery pack can be fully recharged in 1.5 hours from a standard, 230V householdoutlet. 

Operatingwith a charging efficiency of some 84% when allied to a 230V power source, thebattery charger itself is positioned under the hybrid battery, converting ACelectricity to DC current to charge the Lithium-ion battery pack.

Severalimprovements have been made to the robust, highly efficient charging systemfitted to the prototype versions of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. And a batterycharger timer function has been added, allowing users to set both the start andend time of battery charging.

ACCID (Charging Circuit Interrupter Device) is installed inside the batterycharger cable to automatically block the supply of AC current in the case ofelectrical leakage during charging. The CCID main body size has been reducedcompared to that of the prototype vehicle, and the power plug can now beremoved and replaced to enhance usability.

Batterycharger cable flexibility has been improved for easier handling during coldweather, and users can choose between a cable length of 5 or 10 meters. A rangeof replaceable power plugs is available for compatibility with the diverseoutlet shapes of various countries and regions. And a new cable has beendeveloped for compatibility with the Mennekes-type charging station expected torepresent the mainstream charging infrastructure in Europe. The cable is storedin a dedicated compartment under the loadspace floor.

Thebattery charger connector has also been modified from the prototype model toimprove ease of use. Finished in blue, the main body of the connector now has ascratch resistant surface finish. A freeze-proof lock release button shape hasbeen adopted, and the button has been chrome-plated to suppress corrosion. Apadlock-type cable lock may now also be fitted to the lock release button forimproved security.

Thebattery charger inlet itself has also been revised to improve operability. Theinner and outer lids of the inlet have been integrated to simplify the openingand connection process. An LED lamp fitted inside the lid illuminates thecharger inlet connector, and a battery charger lamp beside the connectorindicates battery charging status.

The unique characteristics of Toyota'sfull hybrid powertrain require no change in driving style or behaviour, yet canhelp users maximise the benefits of Hybrid Synergy Drive^® through numerous, PHEV-specific,driving support monitors.

Moreover, the new Toyota PHEV'scapacity for long range driving in full hybrid mode once the extended EV rangehas been expended totally removes the range anxiety which has come to typifythe driving of fully electric vehicles to date.

EnhancedEco Driving Experience

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers thedriver three switchable, 'on-demand' drive modes — the default settingEV, HV and EV-City [1].

With EV mode selected, the PriusPlug-in Hybrid is able to draw upon the full capacity of the battery and willremain in electric drive mode, allowing for urban driving with minimal noiseand zero CO₂ and NO_X emissions, for up to approximately25 kilometres at speeds of up to

85 km/h.

The petrol engine will still start ifthe system judges that additional power is necessary, however the use of lightto medium throttle inputs keeps it switched off throughout EV mode operation.

With HV mode selected, the PriusPlug-in Hybrid functions similarly to the standard Prius. It delivers theclassic, highly efficient Toyota HSD driving experience, seamlessly engagingthe petrol engine as appropriate. The vehicle's switchable EV mode range ispreserved for later use in urban environments.

With EV-City mode selected, the PriusPlug-in Hybrid matches the EV mode's characteristics. Increased electricoperation is ensured by allowing more forceful use of the throttle before thepetrol engine kicks in, allowing users to enter Zero Emission inner city zones.

Switched separately, ECO mode may beindependently activated when the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is operating in HV, EV orEV-City modes. In any drive mode, throttle response to accelerator pedal inputsis reduced and air-conditioning control optimized for improved fuel economy.Depending on driving conditions, the ECO mode can help drivers achieve aperceptible reduction in fuel consumption.

PHEV-specificDriving Support Monitors

Complimenting these three drive modes,the Prius Plug-in Hybrid features comprehensive Eco driving support for thosewho wish to adopt more environmentally-friendly driving techniques.

As in the Prius, the new Toyota PHEVis equipped with an Eco Drive Support Monitor. Various PHEV-specific functionsallow customers to maximise the benefits of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's extendedEV driving range.

The Hybrid System Indicator bargraphic now shows the point at which the engine will start under acceleration,allowing the driver to moderate throttle inputs and maximise the use of the EVand EV-City modes.

The Energy Monitor, displaying theengine operating conditions and the flow of electric power, incorporatesplug-in connection status and remaining charge time displays. If the ignitionis turned on whilst the vehicle is being charged externally, the connectionstatus will appear, along with the approximate charging time required to fullyrecharge the battery, round up to the nearest 0.1 hour unit.

A Toyota first, users may also setstart and finish battery charging times, with both displayed on the Eco DriveSupport Monitor.

Both the Hybrid System Indicator andthe Energy Monitor feature an EV driving range display adjacent to the batterySOC (State of Charge) level indicator, showing how far the PHEV can travelunder electric motor power alone with the remaining battery charge, rounded upto the nearest 0.1 km.

The battery SOC display itself adoptstwo different display methods to differentiate between HV and EV modes usingcharged electricity only. When the EV mode battery charge falls below a certainlevel, the SOC display will automatically change, with the HSD system, to HVmode. Conversely, when battery power is increased through regenerative braking,the display will revert to the former as the EV driving mode is automaticallyrestored.

In addition, an EV Driving Ratioindicator shows how much of the total distance driven so far has been underelectric motor power alone. This function also includes consumed power and fueldisplays, and a display indicating how much fuel consumption is reduced bydriving using externally charged electricity only.

The trip fuel consumption recorddisplay has been changed to a bar graph, monthly average fuel consumptiondisplay, and a calendar function has been added to the system.

Finally, a Plug-in Effect forestdisplay has been added to visualise the benefits of external charging. Thesystem converts the amount of externally charged electricity into that ofreduced CO₂ and, for every 10 kg reduction, one tree is planted inthe forest to show the driver's contribution to environmental preservation. Asthe number of trees increases, flowers and animals are also added to thedisplay.

In combination, this expanded range ofEco Drive Support Monitor functions helps drivers to develop relaxed, fuelefficient driving techniques and maximise both EV driving and overall hybridsystem efficiency.

Suspensionand Steering Revisions

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid shares theproven MacPherson front and torsion beam rear suspension of the standard Prius.However, both systems have been optimised for the specific weight distributionof the new Toyota PHEV, maximising both ride comfort and handling stability.

Both front and rear shock absorberdamping force has been changed from that of the standard Prius, and the frontsuspension upper support rubber characteristics have also been changed tofurther improve the vehicle's excellent Noise and Vibration performance.

The control map of the Electric PowerSteering (EPS) has also been revised in recognition of the nominal effect thePlug-in Hybrid's specific weight distribution has on the vehicles drivingdynamics.

1 European models only

Initiated in July 2007, 10 years after the launch ofthe first generation Prius, the first phase involved about 20 vehicles, ofwhich four were tested in Europe. This first phase was dedicated to intensiveresearch and development through real life road trials in countries includingFrance and the UK, with a specific focus on the relationship between the newtechnology involved and its users.

Simultaneous research into the development of a public,private and company recharging infrastructure is fundamental to the viabilityof a PHEV project. To that end, the first phase also marked the start ofToyota's ongoing partnership with French energy company, EDF, who is present inmany European markets.

In December 2009, the second development phase began. Itwas centred on a worldwide limited lease project involving some 600 prototypevehicles, of which 200 were leased to selected partners and customers in 18European countries.

Toyota's European Prius Plug-in Hybrid limited leaseproject started in Strasbourg, France, at the end of April 2010, with the threeyear leasing of 100 Prius Plug-in Hybrid prototype vehicles by privatecompanies and other organisations, including government bodies, localauthorities, energy providers and a car sharing company. 

Widely recognised as 'the other European Union capital',Strasbourg has had a notably advanced mobility strategy in place for some time,making it the ideal location for a large-scale demonstration of theurban-friendly practicalities of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

Simultaneously, Toyota's partner EDF began creating acomplimentary recharging infrastructure, installing charging points at thefacilities of project partners, in public parking lots, on public roads andreinforced plugs at users' homes. 

Some 20 vehicles were introduced in the UK, and another15-20 in Germany. Toyota also introduced the Prius Plug-in Hybrid on a globalscale, with participants including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan andthe United States of America.

Real World PHEV Driver Behaviour Analysis 

Both in Europe and around the world, the road trialsallowed Toyota to fine tune its ongoing PHEV research and development. Thegathering of real world vehicle-use feedback has enabled the company to betterunderstand customer expectations of plug-in technology, while spurring thedevelopment of a public access charging station infrastructure.

All leased Prius Plug-in Hybrid prototype vehicles wereequipped with data retrieval devices which monitored everyday user activitiessuch as when, and how often, the vehicle was charged, the extent of batterydepletion at the time of charging, trip duration, percentage of EV use and EVrange achieved, and fuel efficiency.

The PHEVs involved in the leasing project wereintensively driven both in the urban environment and on longer journeys out ofthe city. With an average yearly mileage of 13,180 km, project participantsacquired nearly 800,000 km of PHEV driving experience.

With over 90% of journeys covering less than 25 km, thezero emission, fully electric range of the PHEV satisfied a significant shareof the users' daily requirements. 35% of users also completed long distancetrips of more than 100 km at least once a week, thanks to the PHEV's ability tooperate as a full hybrid eliminating the range anxiety associated with journeysof this length in a fully electric vehicle.

Fuel efficiency figures obtained under real-worldconditions show that the PHEV consumes 36% less fuel than the comparable,best-in-class diesel vehicle and almost 50% less than the best-in-class petrolvehicle. Users that maximised the potential of the PHEV and made optimal use ofthe existing recharging infrastructure were able to return average fuelconsumption figures of less than 2.0 l/100 km.

Plug-in Hybrid Technology — Extended EV Range WithNo Constraints

Electricity has high potential as an alternative to oil,may be produced from renewable sources such as solar, wind, tidal andhydro-electric power, can be readily supplied, and is carbon neutral at thepoint of consumption.

However, although the environmental merits of EVs asurban commuters are well proven, the further development of such vehicles iscurrently handicapped by the weight, size and cost of the large capacitybatteries required to offer satisfactory range, and the lack of an adequaterecharging infrastructure.

In focusing on PHEV technology, Toyota has addressed theissues of driving range, cost and infrastructure. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is a full hybrid vehicle in whichboth the electric motor and petrol engine can drive the wheels. An extendedfully electric, EV mode is employed for city driving, while the hybridpowertrain's petrol engine awards the car true long range capability. 

A further benefit of its extended EV driving range andultra-low CO₂ emissions, Toyota's new PHEV qualifies for variouscustomer rebates and taxation benefits in over 10 European countries, with asignificant impact on both purchase and running costs.

Rather than the former replacing the latter, bothstandard and Plug-in versions of the Prius full hybrid will co-exist on themarket for the foreseeable future.

Toyota Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles offer the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of electric and full hybrid vehicles. Toyota's Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle adopts the same full hybrid system architecture as the normal Prius, with the additional benefit of a larger battery that can be plugged in and recharged from an external (household) power source. The vehicle functions quietly and with zero emissions in electric mode (EV) over short to medium distances. For longer trips, the vehicle functions in hybrid mode (HV) using a combination of both the vehicle's petrol and electric engines with excellent driving performances and a reduced ecological footprint.

Second anniversary data

Similarly to the first year, users recharge their PHVs on average approximately once a day (0.9), taking an average of 75 minutes per recharge. The majority of users drove about one third of their journeys in EV mode (34%). Depending on driving and charging behaviour, the driver can enjoy substantial reductions in fuel consumption: more than 50% compared to a petrol vehicle of similar size when recharged once a day (with an EV/HV ratio of 24% to 76%). The PHV fuel efficiency measured during the demonstration reached as high as 64% when the car is recharged twice a day (EV/HV ratio 56% to 44%). As a result the energy bill is down with EUR 7.00/100 km ^(1).for users who recharge twice a day and EUR 6.20/100 km ⁽¹⁾ when the PHV is recharged once a day.

In addition to these customer's advantages, the environment equally benefits: CO₂ emissions are largely reduced thanks to the high share of driving in EV mode. Up to 58% of CO₂ emissions are cut compared to a petrol vehicle of similar size, when the user recharges twice a day (50% reduction of CO₂ emissions with one recharge a day).

2012: Commercial launch of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Feedback from the customers has been highly valued in the process of preparing the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle for commercialisation starting end of this summer in Europe. In the commercialised Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, customers can press a button to switch between EV to HV modes. This new feature can be of interest to a customer who wishes to maintain full battery capacity to return to the city in EV mode after a drive on the highway for example. The range for electric autonomous driving has been extended by 25% to 25 km. The use of the charging cable has been facilitated mainly by reducing its weight with 26%. Lastly, the trunk capacity has been increased by 10% to reach the volume of the 3rd generation Toyota Prius (443 litres instead of 403 litres).

The unique combination of EV and HV modes enables the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to deliver a total driving range in excess of 1,200 km. Even after the EV is used up, the PHV can still return fuel economy figures of only 3.7-litres/100 km, generating CO₂ emissions of just 85 g/km.

Michel Gardel, Vice-President of Communications, External and Environment Affairs at Toyota Motor Europe, said: "We are pleased to be part of this demonstration project, working alongside partners that envisage the same ultimate goal of sustainable mobility with respect to the environment."

He continued: "With the view of making ever-better cars based on our principle of "Customers First", our participation has allowed us to integrate valuable user feedback in the new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid that will go on sale starting end of this summer. The result from the second year of this demonstration gives us confidence that our brand new product will appeal to a larger customer base."

Improvements in charging infrastructure

With regards to the charging infrastructure, the most important evolution over the last twelve months is the installation of new charging boxes with partners that wish to have a detailed view on the charging costs. This information, which is received and handled by EDF, is made available to all users in a personalised way via the internet. This system has revealed that the average cost of a recharge is around EUR 0.30 (all costs included).

The boxes include other functionalities that are highly appreciated by the partners, such as:

• Scheduled night-time charging. Users who are on a night tariff can benefit from optimised charging costs.
• 'Pre-conditioning' of the car (heating during winter and air conditioning during summer). This functionality does not have an impact on the autonomy of the battery.

EDF plans to further develop both the programming option for recharges and the devices for monitoring energy consumption in companies as well as at home through a smartphone application and the internet. Services related to geolocation, availability and reservation of charging points will also be offered.

Michel Couture, Director of the Electric Mobility Division at EDF Group, states: "The past two years of the demonstration confirm the growing interest that users display towards new mobility solutions. The numerous data that have been collected are extremely informative. The third and final year will allow us to refine our understanding of customer expectations and to finalise our business models."

City and Urban Community of Strasbourg

For Alain Fontanel, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg and Vice-President of Finances in charge of electric mobility at the Urban Community of Strasbourg : "The City and the Urban Community of Strasbourg are pleased with the results of this demonstration. Strengthened by this feedback, the Urban Community of Strasbourg plans to encourage further development of electric mobility. For this, it is implementing a strategy of complementary charging infrastructure to improve the quality of the charging points network. To achieve this goal, in September 2012, the number of slow charging points will be increased and these will be supplemented with a network of fast and accelerated charging points installed at the Urban Community of Strasbourg."

This PHV program in Strasbourg is part of Toyota's global project involving 600 Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, also deployed in Japan, the United States, Canada and Australia. The main objective for Toyota is to further investigate the technology and performance of PHVs. EDF's objective is to evaluate different operational options for charging infrastructures. The demonstration allows feedback from consumers on the acceptance of this new driving concept in preparation for broader commercialisation in the future.

⁽¹⁾ Calculations based on petrol price of EUR 1.63/L and electricity price of EUR 0.12/kwh

About EDF Group

The EDF Group, one of the leaders in the European energy market, is an integrated energy company active in all areas of the business: generation, transmission, distribution, energy supply and trading. The Group is the leading electricity producer in Europe. In France, it has mainly nuclear and hydraulic production facilities where 96.5% of the electricity output is CO₂-free.

EDF's transmission and distribution subsidiaries in France operate 1,285,000 km of low and medium voltage overhead and underground electricity lines and around 100,000 km of high and very high voltage networks. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 27.9 million customers in France. The Group generated consolidated sales of EUR 65.3 billion in 2011, of which 43.1% outside of France. EDF is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

"We are proud to deliver our first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in Europe to His Serene Highness," said Didier Leroy, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. "We are honoured to continue our long standing partnership to contribute to the environmental and sustainability objectives defined by H.S.H. Prince Albert II."

In February, 2012, the Monegasque government introduced a new incentive scheme under the direction of His Serene Highness to encourage environmentally friendly vehicles in the Principality. The scheme allows for subsidies of 5,500 EUR for full hybrid vehicles emitting less than 60 g/km of CO₂, while full electric vehicles can receive subsidies of up to 9,000 EUR.

Leading by example, His Serene Highness will now use the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid for private purposes, a vehicle delivering remarkably low CO₂ emissions of just 49 g/km. Offering a considerable expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system's capabilities, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid incorporates a lithium-ion battery to offer an EV driving range of 25 km. Beyond the electric driving range, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid can be used as a conventional full hybrid with all the efficiency of a standard Prius. This unique combination enables the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to deliver a total driving range in excess of 1,200 km.

In just 90 minutes, the car can be fully recharged from a conventional plug. With an EV driving range of 25 km and a choice of 424 free charging stations in Monaco, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid can travel around the Principality using pure electric mode, generating zero CO₂, NOx or particulate matter emissions.

As a recognised leader in full hybrid technology, with sales of over 4 million full hybrid units globally, Toyota welcomes the initiatives of His Serene Highness to promote the sales of environmentally friendly cars, helping the Principality become a world leader in sustainable mobility.

The car's 25 kilometre pure electric driving range means it can cover the majority of urban journeys and daily commutes in zero emissions mode and at only 90 minutes using a conventional plug, recharging is quick.

Combined fuel consumption1 is confirmed at just 2.1 l/100 km with CO₂ emissions of only 49 g/km.

And when the EV battery is depleted, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid switches into the highly efficient full hybrid (HV) mode, delivering a class-leading CO₂ of just 85 g/km and consuming only 3.7 l/100 km.

This leading performance helps Prius Plug-in Hybrid to deliver a total driving range in excess of 1,200 km .

Furthermore, thanks to cleverly packaged full hybrid components, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers comfortable seating capacity for five adults and a fully useable boot capacity of 443 litres.

The latest addition to Toyota's Prius family will be launched in the summer of 2012, with starting prices below &euro37,000 in Germany and £31,0003 in UK.

Summary information — Prius Plug-in Hybrid 

Toyota's focus on PHEV technology meets current consumer requirements. Recent Accenture research, entitled 'Plug-in electric vehicles: changing perceptions, hedging bets' on the electrification of private transport, suggests that consumers may favour PHEVs over full EVs because they require fewer changes to current driving habits and levels of convenience.

The next major milestone in Toyota's ongoing, 40 year quest for sustainable mobility and the ultimate eco car, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents the latest development of the company's modular Hybrid Synergy Drive® platform — credible, trusted and reliable full hybrid technology with a proven track record garnered over some 200 billion kilometres of driving worldwide.

Offering a considerable expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system's capabilities, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid incorporates a lithium-ion battery to offer an EV driving range of approximately 23 km. Beyond the electric driving range, it can be used as a conventional full hybrid with all the efficiency of a standard Prius, and fully recharged from a domestic source when convenient, in just 1.5 hours.

With a total HSD system power output of 100 kW, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. Its EV cruising range of approximately 23 km enables it to achieve remarkable fuel efficiency of just 2.1 l/100 km, and to lower CO₂ emissions to an unprecedented 49 g/km.

At approximately 1,420 kg, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is only 50 kg heavier than the regular Prius, and no heavier than any comparable diesel or petrol engined car in the segment.

Addressing the specific needs of drivers commuting to urban areas, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will appeal to very similar customers to those who were early adopters of the first generation Prius forward-thinking, ecologically-aware individuals attracted to the new vehicle's unique concept, environmentally-friendly credentials and advanced, highly sophisticated technology.

Sales will start in early 2012, mainly in Japan, US and Europe, with anticipated sales of approximately 50,000 units annually.

Urban Powertrain Electrification - The Case for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

It is estimated that the majority of Europeans will live in urban areas by the end of the decade. As a result, the demand for environmentally-friendly commuter vehicles is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Based on current conditions, industry attention is now focused on electricity as the most practical energy source.

Many EU member states are struggling to achieve the required EU air quality standards, specifically in urban environments. This has resulted in city authorities introducing criteria to restrict the entry of specific types of vehicles to city centres. Following a direction recently proposed in the EU Transport White Paper, some cities are going further and considering a ban on conventional vehicles from city centres and the promotion of electric vehicles.

The environmental merits of electric vehicles (EVs) as urban commuters are well proven, but their further development is currently handicapped by a number of factors. On the technical side, inappropriately large, heavy and costly batteries are required to offer a driving range which only satisfies the needs of those with a very specific usage pattern. Perhaps more significantly, from the customer perspective, no adequate recharging infrastructure yet exists, and range anxiety remains a major concern.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid addresses each of these issues, making it the most feasible short- to mid-term solution for the electrification of powertrains.

Building on the core technology of Toyota's renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive®, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid sets a new benchmark in environmentally—friendly mobility by offering customers commuting to urban areas the best of both worlds.

It offers an extended, EV driving range, yet it can be driven without any concerns over exceeding the electric power range. At this point, it can be driven as a regular, full hybrid vehicle offering the same environmental credentials and true long range capability as a standard Prius.

A full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers a truly 21st century driving experience. It rewards customers with the pleasure of uniquely stress-free, relaxed and remarkably quiet operation, while returning unparalleled fuel efficiency and the lowest possible CO₂, NO_X and PM (Particulate Matter) emissions.

The reduction of CO₂ emissions has been a mainstream global issue since the 1990s (the 1997 Kyoto Protocol outlining specific numeric goals), and vehicle taxation based on CO₂ emissions is now commonplace. However, the focus on curbing CO₂ emissions has meant that legislation to limit the pollution of the urban environment through road traffic-generated NO_X and PM emissions remains, thus far, significantly less stringent.

Although Euro 6 exhaust emission regulations will bring the diesel engine NO_X emission limits closer to those of petrol units (80 versus 60 mg/km on the NEDC), the Prius Plug-in still generates significantly lower NOX emissions than diesel engine cars and undercuts the Euro 6 standards by 98%. Moreover, when operating in its extended EV mode, it generates zero CO2, NOX and particulate emissions.

PHEV European Limited Lease Project

Toyota initiated its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) project in 2007, with road trials of a prototype vehicle in France and in UK in 2008. In 2010, the project entered its second phase when a limited production vehicle, based on the third-generation Prius equipped with a Lithium-ion battery, was used for pan-European road trials.

As part of a global Toyota project, 200 vehicles have been leased to selected partners and customers in 18 European countries. France, the UK and Germany are operating a total 150 PHEVs between them. The largest single group of vehicles is located in Strasbourg, France, where a 70 PHEV-strong project is underway in collaboration with Toyota's partner, French energy provider EDF, and the City and Urban Community of Strasbourg (CUS).

After nearly a year, the PHEVs involved in the project have been intensively driven both in the urban environment and on longer journeys out of the city. With an average yearly mileage of 13,180 km, project participants have acquired nearly 800,000 km of PHEV driving experience.

With two thirds of commutes covering under 20 km, the zero emission, fully electric range of the PHEV satisfies a significant share of the users' daily requirements. 35% of users also completed long distance trips of more than 100 km at least once a week, and the PHEV's ability to operate as a full hybrid eliminates the range anxiety associated with journeys of this length in a fully electric vehicle.

Fuel efficiency figures obtained under real-world conditions show that the PHEV consumes 36% less fuel than the comparable, best-in-class diesel vehicle and almost 50% less than the best-in-class petrol vehicle. Users that maximised the potential of the PHEV and made optimal use of the existing recharging infrastructure were able to return average fuel consumption figures of less than 2.0 l/100km.

The New Prius Plug-in Hybrid, The Hybrid Synergy Drive® Technology Flagship

The wealth of real-world user feedback generated by the global limited lease projects has enabled Toyota to re-evaluate every aspect of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's performance to date. As a result, the production vehicle benefits not only from several key technological improvements over its lease project counterpart, but also considerable enhancements to its everyday practicality and usability.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a new lithium-ion battery with a high capacity of 4.4 kWh and a weight of only 80 kg. This compares favourably to the nickel-metalhydride battery of the latest generation Prius, which has a capacity of 1.3 kWh and weighs 42 kg.

Via a battery charger inlet now relocated beneath a discreet, flush-mounted panel in the production vehicle's right-hand rear wing, the battery pack can be fully recharged in 1.5 hours from a standard, 230V household outlet, with no need for an expensive fast-charger.

Driving Modes

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers the driver three switchable, 'on-demand' drive modes — HV, EV and EV-City*.

With HV mode selected, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid functions similarly to the standard Prius. It delivers the classic, highly efficient Toyota HSD driving experience, seamlessly engaging the petrol engine as appropriate. The vehicle's switchable EV mode range is preserved for later use in urban environments.

With EV mode selected, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is able to draw upon the full capacity of the battery and will remain in electric drive mode, allowing for urban driving with minimal noise and zero CO₂ and NO_X emissions, for up to approximately 23 kilometres at speeds of up to 85 km/h.

The petrol engine will still start if the system judges that additional power is necessary, however the use of light to medium throttle inputs keeps it switched off throughout EV mode operation.

With EV-City mode selected, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid matches the EV mode's characteristics. Increased electric operation is ensured by allowing more forceful use of the throttle before the petrol engine kicks in.

Switched separately, ECO mode may be independently activated when the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is operating in HV, EV or EV-City modes. In any drive mode, throttle response to accelerator pedal inputs is reduced and air-conditioning control optimized for improved fuel economy. Depending on driving conditions, the ECO mode can help drivers achieve a perceptible reduction in fuel consumption.

Exclusive Design, Practical and Technologically Advanced Interior

In recognition of its status as the next generation eco car from the Toyota hybrid stable, several subtle exterior detail changes differentiate the Prius Plug-in Hybrid from the standard Prius.

The front of the new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid features an exclusive grille and front bumper design. To the rear, a clear lens combination lamp design further differentiates the new vehicle from the standard Prius. A high-brightness silver finish has been adopted for the door handles, license garnish and battery charger lid, and the vehicle features exclusive 'Plug-in Hybrid' badging to the front wings and tailgate.

Following lease customer feedback, the battery charger inlet has been relocated from the left front wing to a discreet, flush-mounted panel in the production vehicle's right-hand rear wing. Every aspect of the charging operation itself has also been reconsidered.

The Charge Circuit Interface Device (CCID) has been made more compact, and a 25% lighter, more flexible charging cable that does not stiffen in cold weather has been developed. The battery charger lid has been incorporated into the cover for easier, single-operation closing, and now features a battery charger indicator and LED illumination for enhanced night-time visibility. As an additional safety measure, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid cannot be started whilst the charging cable is connected.

On board, the sensorial quality of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid interior has been raised through a new colour scheme with silver inserts, a revised centre console design, and an improved multi-information display with enhanced EV driving support meter functions.

The air conditioning is coordinated with the standard front seat heaters. This enables the system to reach a comfortable temperature for the driver and passenger more quickly and efficiently, further improving the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

The installation of the newly developed, more compact lithium-ion battery has allowed for a loadspace deck on a par with the conventional Prius, and a luggage capacity of 443 litres. Under-boot storage of 40.5 litres offers ample space to store the charging cable beneath the loadspace floor.

Advanced And Affordable Multimedia Systems

Reflecting today's highly connected society, on-board multimedia systems are in increasing demand. Placing a particularly high value on touch-screen operation, customers require a system which gives centralized control of the widest possible range of vehicle functions, as well as connectivity to external devices such as mobile phones and portable music players.

In response, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, offer customers a unique range of multimedia equipment choices, from the most affordable touch screen interface to the most sophisticated satellite navigation yet created by Toyota, as well as a new, power-saving JBL premium sound system.

Toyota Touch

Fitted as standard, Toyota Touch is a 6.1 inch, full colour, touch-screen interface which represents a new approach to affordable, on-board multimedia systems. In a choice of seven EU languages, it offers customers a wide range of interactive functions without the added expense of an integral satellite navigation system, making it available to the widest possible range of customers.

It incorporates AM/FM radio with enhanced FM reception through the first use of two tuners and two antennae, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and a USB port for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iPod album cover art. In addition, a rear view camera is fitted as standard.

Toyota Touch & Go Plus

Building on the Toyota Touch multimedia base unit, Toyota Touch & Go Plus equips the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid with an optional navigation system representing the best value for money on the market. With a choice of 14 languages, it includes all the most popular navigation functions, such as advanced traffic coverage, customisable speed limits, speed camera warnings, 3D city models and landmarks.

Toyota Touch Pro

The launch of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also mark the introduction of the most sophisticated satellite navigation system yet offered by the company, the new Toyota Touch Pro.

The premium quality multimedia system features a high-resolution 7.0 inch touch-screen interface with a 'home' screen, at-a-glance function displaying the most relevant air-conditioning, audio and navigation information. With a choice of 20 menu and guidance languages, the system covers the whole of Europe.

It offers a comprehensive range of advanced features including voice recognition, automatic map zoom at intersections, 3D city model and landmark graphics, an on-line Points Of Interest search facility and a supplementary driver's navigational guidance head-up display.

The system also provides access to SMS messages and emails, and includes a 'text-to-speech' message readout facility. A rear camera with dynamic guidance lines to help manoeuvring in confined spaces is fitted as standard.

Toyota Touch Pro also incorporates DAB/DAB+/DMB digital radio as standard, making it compatible with a new advanced Transport Protocol Export Group (TPEG) traffic information service. Based on a digital communication channel, TPEG represents a significant improvement over existing, RDS-TMC analogue systems because it can carry far more information.

Not only will its pin-point accuracy enable better navigation routing, but it will also supplement a basic traffic event and flow service with information on parking availability and fuel prices, adding additional information including speed limits and weather thereafter.

JBL GreenEdge Premium Sound System

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid introduces another Toyota first, a new JBL Premium Sound System which features GreenEdge. This technology helps to maximize energy efficiency by reducing operational power requirements by up to 80% of those of a conventional on-board audio system.

At the heart of the system is a JBL GreenEdge amplifier, which is 66% smaller and lighter than comparable units. Because the amplifier's Tracking Power Technology measures audio input in real time, only the necessary electricity is provided to the amplification circuit. This greatly reduces heat loss, and effects a 50% reduction in current consumption.

High-efficiency JBL GreenEdge speakers consume 50% less power than conventional speakers for the same sound output levels. They feature custom designed acoustic lenses to spread a more powerful sound across an even wider frequency range.

Smart Grid For The Future Mobility Society

Toyota's next-generation, environmentally-friendly PHEVs and EVs will become a key element of the social system and play an important role in realising a low-carbon society.

However, the amount of electricity these vehicles consume whilst recharging accounts for a substantial part of an ordinary household's total power consumption. And if many vehicles charge their batteries simultaneously during specific hours of the day, it will boost society's peak power demand. It is, therefore, crucial that this charging time is optimally controlled.

In response to these requirements, Toyota is working on the Smart Grid concept -an electricity network wherein power supply and demand is efficiently controlled using IT to ensure a stable power supply and optimum energy saving.

The Smart Grid is designed to help customers live a comfortable, low-carbon eco-life by connecting vehicles, homes and people. At the heart of the Smart Grid is Toyota Home's Smart House, currently on test in Japan.

The Smart House is equipped with a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), which controls the generation of electricity by solar panels, its storage in a home battery and its efficient consumption, including vehicle charging times. The PHEV or EV is integral to the system, and the vehicle battery may be used as a household power source in emergencies.

Smart House occupants' smart phones are also integrated into the system, monitoring home power consumption and facilitating the remote control of appliances to support an eco-lifestyle. In addition, the smart phone will also check PHEV or EV battery level, set battery charging time and control the vehicle's remote air conditioning to help support eco-driving.

The Smart Houses in each district are connected to a Toyota Smart Centre a local information centre which monitors power company and home electricity generation, and each home's power usage. The Smart Centre plans power consumption and storage, and gives advice where necessary to help level power demands and ensure that electricity is efficiently used throughout the entire community.

To establish the Smart Grid, advanced IT technologies and large-scale information infrastructures are necessary, while cooperation amongst various industries and government agencies is essential. To that end, Toyota is already participating in tests to evaluate the next generation of eco-cars and introduce the Smart Grid on a global scale.

In Japan, a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) programme is promoting PHEVs and EVs in 18 designated model prefectures such as Aichi, Osaka and Kyoto, encouraging their use as public service vehicles. METI-supported, next-generation energy/social system projects at Toyota City and Kitakyushu City are both developing a low-carbon community from the consumer's viewpoint and testing factory management systems for industrial cities.

In Rokkasho Village, Aomori, another TMC project covers all power requirements for homes and PHEVs with natural, wind and solar power energy, and is conducting various tests for the establishment of a Toyota Smart Centre.

In the United States, the world's first whole-town Smart Grid demonstration project is underway in Boulder City, Colorado. Led by local power companies, the project will evaluate the PHEV's usability, charging performance and connection with homes.

In Tianjin City, China, a joint project with the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre (CATARC) will evaluate the usability and charging performance of the PHEV.

In France, as part of a larger study on the energy convergence between solar power, buildings and transport, 10 Toyota PHEVs are involved in projects which focus on the use of solar power for recharging. The trials, taking place at the National Institute of Solar Energy (INES) in Chambery and the Agency for Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies (CEA) in Grenoble, are designed to maximise the use of solar energy and minimise fossil fuel requirements in a recharging infrastructure.

The world's first mass-produced full hybrid vehicle, the Prius was launched in Japan in 1997, and in Europe in 2000. While rival manufacturers are only now introducing a first hybrid variant to their existing model ranges, the stand-alone Prius has already entered its third generation.

With global sales now passing 2.1 million units, the Prius maintains a peerless reputation for reliability, durability and low cost of ownership.

The Prius has been Japan's top selling car for 20 consecutive months, and has beaten the country's all-time sales record for any model. The previous record was held by the Toyota Corolla which, in 1990, sold 300,008 units. Exceeding this figure by some margin, Prius 2010 sales totalled 315,669 units.

Prius has been consistently ahead of its time in addressing not only CO₂ emissions, but also air quality. Even operating in normal drive mode, it generates significantly lower NO_X emissions that any comparable diesel or petrol vehicle. In EV mode, it generates zero CO₂, NO_X and PM emissions.

Internal Toyota studies performed with the third generation Prius show that during a typical city trip, when the average speed is below 30 km/h, more than 25% of the journey takes place with the engine off, resulting in considerable reductions in average fuel consumption and emissions.

Customer perceptions of full hybrid technology have evolved significantly over the last decade. And Prius, initially appealing through its unique concept, environmentally-friendly credentials and advanced technology, is now widely recognised as a true mainstream vehicle.

With interest in hybrid technology growing fast, a recent Toyota survey shows that hybrid drive is now a clear third choice after conventional petrol and diesel engines. It is no longer seen merely as an 'alternative' power source, but is recognised as an entirely mainstream powertrain option.

Nonetheless, the Prius remains a front-runner in the field of technological innovation. Each generation has introduced new, high technology features to the segment ahead of their time.

Amongst numerous new technologies showcased in the third generation Prius are a world-first combination of a solar ventilation system and remote controlled air conditioning, a head-up display, Touch Tracer switchgear and a pre-crash safety system.

Since being named 2005 Car of the Year by European motoring journalists, the Prius — and its Hybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain - has gone on to win numerous awards. Most recently, it proved the most reliable car in the 2-3 year age category and was awarded Goldene TÜV-Plakette, in the 2011 German Auto Bild TÜV Report.

Moreover, in a detailed examination of a new car's winter driving capabilities, it was the winner of the Finnish magazine Tekniikan Maailma's 2010 Cold Weather test. This award is a clear testament to improvements in the cold weather efficiency of its full hybrid powertrain.

Prius will continue to lead Toyota's European full hybrid deployment strategy. With other Toyota HSD models introducing the benefits of full hybrid drive to a broadening customer base, the Prius will remain a showcase for new technologies and further advances in HSD powertrain design.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid — The Best of Both Worlds

The further development of electric cars as urban commuters is currently handicapped by a number of factors. On the technical side, inappropriately large, heavy and costly batteries are required to offer a satisfactory range. From the customer perspective, no adequate recharging infrastructure yet exists, and range anxiety remains a concern.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid addresses each of these issues, making it the most feasible short-to mid-term solution to the electrification of powertrains.

It offers customers a seamless transition from the Toyota full hybrid driving experience. Thanks to its alternative, on-board power source, it can be used as a conventional full hybrid beyond the electric driving range, and recharged from a domestic source when convenient.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents a significant expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive^® system's capabilities. It fulfils the specific needs of urban-based customers with a significantly extended, fully-electric EV driving range for shorter journeys, while the hybrid powertrain's petrol engine awards the vehicle true long range capability, as in the standard Prius.

Its compact, high energy density lithium-ion battery pack gives the Prius Plug-in Hybrid a range of approximately 20 km at speeds up to 100 km/h when driven in EV mode. Rapid charging is a further lithium-ion asset the battery pack can be fully recharged from a standard, 230V household outlet in just 1.5 hours.

The vehicle's fuel efficiency is significantly enhanced by its extended EV range. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid returns a remarkably low fuel consumption figure of only 2.6 l/100 km — a reduction of 30% over that of the Prius. Furthermore, CO₂ emissions have also fallen to an unprecedented low of just 59 g/km.

With the goal of bringing the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to the market globally in 2012, some 600 vehicles are already involved in limited lease projects worldwide —one third of them in 18 European countries. The lease projects are designed to assess every aspect of real-world use, and verify the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid's overall environmental and technological performance before it goes on sale in the second half of 2012.

European lease project customer feedback is very encouraging. A majority of surveyed users have reported that the Prius Plug-in Hybrid exceeds their expectations, in many cases significantly. With the most frequent journeys of 50% of customers being less than 20 km in length, and 82% of them achieving a real life EV range of over 15 km, two thirds of daily users are fully satisfied with the vehicle's EV driving range.

Customers find the car easy to use, regardless of whether or not they have previous experience of full electric drive. 84% of them recharge the Prius Plug-in Hybrid at least once a day, and over 80% of them find the charging process simple, and are happy with the 1.5 hour charging time. Wherever possible, users prefer to charge the vehicle in a private location.

Since the Prius Plug-in Hybrid may be driven as a full hybrid once its maximum EV range has been reached, users report no feelings of range anxiety whatsoever. 75% of them find that they naturally drive in a more eco-friendly manner, 80% comment on the high comfort levels of PHV driving, and every user enjoys the silence and relaxation of driving in EV mode.

Prius+, the First Full Hybrid Seven-seater in Europe

Making its World debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the Prius+ represents a further expansion of the Prius family, broadening the appeal of the Toyota full hybrid's environmental credentials and advanced technology to the widest customer base yet.

Meeting the needs of growing, environmentally conscientious European families, the Prius+ is the first car to offer European customers the versatility of seven seats combined with a full hybrid powertrain.

As its name suggests, the Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation, with three, independent, split/folding second row seats and a

50:50 split/folding third tier. Yet it sacrifices none of the traditional attributes found in the Prius DNA, such as the lowest fuel consumption of any seven-seater on the market.

On sale in the first half of 2012, the Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its exterior design hallmarks it as an evolution, rather than merely an elongated version, of the standard Prius.

The sleek, bold styling features an extended roofline with an integral, panoramic sunroof, retaining the iconic Prius triangle silhouette and awarding the Prius+ a low Cd 0.29 drag coefficient. The trapezoidal front incorporates sharp-edged headlamps, turbulence-minimising aero-corners and an enlarged lower grille for improved aerodynamics and engine cooling. Distinctive rear styling is highlighted by a practical, top hinged tailgate, intricate combination lamp clusters and a roof spoiler to further improve air flow.

The Prius+ showcases the latest generation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. It features the first lithium-ion battery pack to be incorporated within a non-plug-in Toyota full hybrid.

First appearing in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the lithium-ion battery pack's compact dimensions make it ideal for installation underneath the centre console between the driver and the front passenger, offering no compromise to the seven-seat passenger accommodation or loadspace of the MPV-style interior.

As in the standard Prius, the Prius+ features three 'on-demand' drive modes to increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain: An EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and emissions. An ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy. And a POWER mode boosts system performance.

The Prius Family — Expanding to Meet the Needs of a Broader Customer Base

Maintaining its environmental and technological leadership for over a decade now, the Prius remains the most advanced mass produced full hybrid vehicle on the market.

Having introduced the world to the benefits of Toyota's remarkable Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, Prius will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete, stand-alone model range.

The three models will significantly expand the Prius customer base and subsequent sales the Prius Plug-in Hybrid appealing to a new group of urban-based customers, the Prius+ targeting growing, environmentally conscientious European families who require the space and flexibility of a larger, seven-seat vehicle.