This week, the new and ultra-efficient Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid is launching to the UK’s reviewers, road testers and motoring writers.
We’ll be bringing you more for the event this week, and we’ll report back on the reviews as they come in so you can find out all about the car from the independent experts.
To coincide with the launch, we asked for your questions about the car, and we can now bring you the answers.
Read on for all you need to know about the Prius Plug-in – and don’t forget to leave us a comment below if your question hasn’t been answered yet.
How does the Prius Plug-in work?
The Prius Plug-in is what we term a PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It uses a development of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that combines a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 1.8-litre petrol engine to deliver smooth, refined and ultra-efficient driving and incredible economy.
The lithium-ion battery means it can drive approximately 15.5 miles purely on electric power, meaning low running costs and zero emissions.
What is the range of the Prius Plug-in?
The electric-only range of the Prius Plug-in is approximately 15.5 miles, enabling typical commuter journeys to be accomplished with zero tailpipe emissions. Thanks to the hybrid powertrain’s petrol engine, Prius Plug-in is equally able to accomplish long distance trips.
Once the car has reached the limit of its EV driving range, it automatically operates in full hybrid mode, with the petrol engine coming into play. This means there is none of the concern about whether the car can reach its destination without running out of power – the ‘range anxiety’ that is typically associated with full electric vehicles.
How much does the Toyota Prius Plug-in cost?
Prices for the Toyota Prius Plug-in start at £32,895 on the road, but this falls to £27,895 with the benefit of the £5,000 Government grant available on new plug-in vehicle purchases, provided through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
What is the CO2 emissions figure of the Prius Plug-in?
The Prius Plug-in achieves a new low benchmark in its class with official CO2 emissions of 49g/km, way below the 100g/km threshold for UK road tax (VED).
What are the fuel consumption figures of the Prius Plug-in?
Official combined mpg figures are 78.5mpg in HV (hybrid vehicle) mode. When you drive solely in EV (electric vehicle) mode, the Prius Plug-in uses no fuel. However, official figures been calculated for EV mode using a standard testing cycle which takes the average from one run with a fully charged battery and a second run with a depleted battery.
Do I need to charge the Prius Plug-in?
Not necessarily. If the Prius Plug-in’s battery is not charged, it simply performs as a ‘standard’ Toyota hybrid vehicle, using the engine and/or the electric motor depending on the driving conditions and battery state of charge.
However, charging the battery does ensure the highest levels of efficiency and zero-emissions driving, particularly in stop-start or low-speed conditions, so we recommend regular charging.
What happens when the EV battery on Prius Plug-in runs out of charge?
The car automaticlaly switches to HV (hybrid vehicle) mode and runs as a standard Toyota Hybrid, just like the normal Prius.
[youtube width=”580″ height=”400″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVe_-bps7hw[/youtube]What do I need to charge the Toyota Prius Plug-in?
The Prius Plug-in comes with a dedicated charging cable, which fits under the boot floor. This plugs into a standard domestic socket, but we recommend an isolated charge point is installed to protect against overloading your home’s system. Toyota’s recommended supplier of electric car charging points in British Gas, who will provide a free site survey to our customers. British Gas says it can supply a charging point for as little as £375 – find out more on the Toyota website. Buyers are not obliged to use British Gas.
How long does it take to fully recharge the Prius Plug-in?
Around 1.5 hours using a standard 240V electrical supply.
How long is the EV battery warranty?
The EV battery has a warranty of eight years. The Prius Plug-in benefits from the standard five-year Toyota Warranty.
What is the battery life of the Prius Plug-in?
The lithium-ion battery is designed to last the life of the vehicle.
How much heavier is the battery pack from the regular Prius?
The Lithium-ion battery in the Prius Plug-in weighs 80kg, the Nickel-Metal Hydride battery of the Prius weighs 42kg.
Does the EV battery take away space from the passenger compartment or luggage capacity?
Luggage capacity above the floor is only 2 litres smaller in the Prius Plug-in than in Prius, at 443 litres (compared with 446 litres for Prius). Below the floor, space is smaller – 40.5 litres vs. 48 litres. Total load volume increases to 1,120 litres when the rear seats are folded.
These figures were measured by the VDA method.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the Prius Plug-in?
45 litres.
What is the 0-62mph time of the Toyota Prius Plug-in?
The 0-62mph time is 11.4 seconds. Top speed is 112mph.
How does the Prius Plug-in compare with the Prius in terms of performance?
The top speeds of the two cars are the same, at 112mph. The Prius has a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds, one second quicker than the Prius Plug-in.
Does the Prius Plug-in have a spare wheel?
The Prius Plug-in comes with a tyre repair kit to save weight.
Is DAB digital radio available on the Prius Plug-in?
DAB digital radio is available as a dealer-fit option.
Does the Prius Plug-in have Adaptive Cruise Control?
The Prius Plug-in has cruise control as standard. Adaptive Cruise Control is not available.
Can I pre-heat the interior of the Prius Plug-in before using it?
Pre-heating is not available on Prius Plug-in. This is because the car’s 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 effectively, further improving efficiency.
When does the Prius Plug-in go on sale?
The Toyota Prius Plug-in is arriving in UK showrooms now (July 2012).
How can I book a test drive?
You can book a test drive in the Toyota Prius Plug-in on the Toyota UK website.
How can I read a brochure for the Toyota Prius Plug-in?
You can read the online eBrochure or order a paper brochure on the Toyota website, or find out more about the car here.
Oliwer Kmiecik says:
June 12, 2013 at 14:58
Hi Andy,
We’ve had an update from our technical team who’ve informed us that there is currently a problem with this version, 2.7.4. The issue you’re having is something TME (Toyota Motor Europe) are aware of and are working to resolve. Unfortunately there isn’t currently a fix for this for which we apologise. We hope to have this sorted as soon as possible.
Many thanks, Andy, for your understanding.
Thanks for the reply, so it is a software issue then, quite surprised no one else has raised it. Anyway can we presume that:
a) we will be told when the latest software is released that fixes the issue
b) that the fix will be free of charge
Once again thanks for the reply.
Sorry if this sounds impatient but any further news please?
Thanks for the reply, so it is a software issue then, quite surprised no one else has raised it. Anyway can we presume that:
a) we will be told when the latest software is released that fixes the issue
b) that the fix will be free of charge
Hi Andy,
We currently don’t have confirmation when the next update will be available. When an update is available (without the map), however, this will be available through your Toyota Dealer (this would also be carried out under warranty).
Apologies we don’t have any further information for you however it may well be worth speaking with your nearest Dealer to register your interest in the next update.
Many thanks and kind regards.
Hi Oliwer,
Any further news on the update from you please?
Hi Andy,
We’ve had an update from our technical team who’ve informed us that there is currently a problem with this version, 2.7.4. The issue you’re having is something TME (Toyota Motor Europe) are aware of and are working to resolve. Unfortunately there isn’t currently a fix for this for which we apologise. We hope to have this sorted as soon as possible.
Many thanks, Andy, for your understanding.
Thanks for the reply, so it is a software issue then, quite surprised no one else has raised it. Anyway can we presume that:
a) we will be told when the latest software is released that fixes the issue
b) that the fix will be free of charge
Once again thanks for the reply.
Hi Andy,
There aren’t any updates on this at the moment however, you’ll be able to see when a map update is available via the T&G toolbox.
There is a cost affiliated to updates, this will be outlined on the T&G toolbox (exclusion is T&G+ which has 3 year map care).
Many thanks.
Thanks for the reply – Think you might have misunderstood my question.
I am not referring to a map update but a software update to rectify a fault for the car as per my questions to Oliwer:
Oliwer replied:
Hi Andy,
We’ve had an update from our technical team who’ve informed us that there is currently a problem with this version, 2.7.4. The issue you’re having is something TME (Toyota Motor Europe) are aware of and are working to resolve. Unfortunately there isn’t currently a fix for this for which we apologise. We hope to have this sorted as soon as possible.
Many thanks, Andy, for your understanding.
Hi Andy,
There aren’t any updates on this at the moment however, you’ll be able to see when a map update is available via the T&G toolbox.
There is a cost affiliated to updates, this will be outlined on the T&G toolbox (exclusion is T&G+ which has 3 year map care).
Many thanks.
Hi Andy,
Sorry for the confusion, my mistake.
Software version 2.8.4 is now available via the customer portal but is not currently available on the dealer system, we suggest downloading from the portal. We also suggest downloading this version and seeing if this software update fixes your original problem. If not, please do come back to us or you’re welcome to show your Dealer the issue, and they’ll be able to advise.
Hope this helps.
Having read the answer from Kerry Sainsbury I have twice looked on the Portal for the software update of which she speaks. I cannot however find the update. Has it been removed or is it hidden somewhere.
Thanks Oliwer for the reply, I will let my local dealer know.
Can I ask – Are the dealers aware that Toyota Motor Europe (TME) have confirmed there is a problem with 2.7.4 software?
Regards,
Andy.
I have advised my local dealer, as suggested. Hopefully they will let me know when the fix has been released – Or will someone post on here that an update is released?
Comment on EV and mpg
My EV charge has risen to 11.5 at the moment — ambient temp about 18C
During the winter I did not manage to charge my car very often. On a 13 mile journey each way mpg ranged fro 60 to 70 with a higher figure on the return journey. (route is fairly flat , 30, 40, 50,60 mile per hour limits)
From April this has increased to 70 to 80 mpg with an odd 84 mpg. (using HV setting)
On a full charge I can cover 15.5 miles on just electric. The combined journey 200 to 600 mpg with one charge.
On long distance using motorways depending on speed I get 60 to 65 mpg
On EV the top speed is just under 60mph
One complaint is that the fan noise is more noticeable than in my old diesel.
The display going from 0 to 100 mpg is a bit of a shame. The display should be able to scale up to show higher mpg. Software update possible??
Hi Tony,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
We’re pleased to hear your mpg figures have been increasing.
Currently there is no available software update for the Toyota Prius Plug-in to change the mpg gauge to show over 100mpg. However, we do listen to all customer feedback and have passed your comments on to the relevant team for their consideration.
We hope this helps and may we wish you many more happy miles in your Prius Plug-in,
Many thanks.
Dear all,
I am hoping to go on a week’s UK holiday during which I won’t be able to recharge my plug-in, so the EV will drop to zero by end of first outward journey.
However, I have discovered recently that whilst driving in normal hybrid mode, providing the EV range hasn’t dropped to zero (mine was 0.5m at the time), it is possible to recharge the EV battery back up to a really decent figure again (eg 4.2m in my case).
As I approached any roundabout, tighter corner etc, providing I had already decelerated to 50mph, I switched to EV and continued braking in EV, switching back to HV as I accelerated away. Maybe, whilst I am holiday for a week, I can keep the EV battery charged and seem to gain ‘free’ EV credit to enable me to continue to drive EV short distances repeatedly, whilst away from home and having no access to a charging point.
Question is, does braking/decelerating under EV deprive the normal smaller Hybrid battery of it’s KER’s regeneration thus reducing normal HV mpg efficiency, making overall mpg unchanged. Overall, I can’t recommend this as it’s fiddly and pedantic and can take attention off driving.
I asked a helpful Toyota rep’ about this EV credit method and whilst saying he hadn’t heard of this idea, he wasn’t technical and thought it wouldn’t be detrimental or in any way damage the car – worth a mention on the forum for some technical feedback.
Mark Oakley
Hi Mark,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us.
We have spoken with our technical department, they have advised that braking / decelerating in EV mode will have no detrimental effect on the batteries. This is due to the ECU delivering charge to where it is needed.
Hope this helps,
Many thanks.
I believe there is only one large lithium battery but there are two electric motors, one for regeneration and one to drive the wheels. The system controller switches modes at a predetermined level of charge. So for example the total distance in EV mode is say 12 miles with 3 left for normal HV mode ie petrol and ev . I have driven across the Pennines and with the car in Hv mode it regenerated on the descent so it could drive in just EV or city mode. Ie from 1.5 hv miles to 3 Ev mile ie total regeneration of 4.5 miles . City mode is not possible if the heater comes on when you set off.
My average on a long journey is 65mpg depending on top speed etc.
The only possible advantage of your changing modes is to stop the engine from starting. I am not sure it makes a difference which mode you are in when the batteries are regenerated. Just having the engine start reduces mpg to well below 999. I have managed a 999 mpg on 15 miles then the engine has to start
On balance I would just let the car decide . It’s safer.
The Eco mode reduces air con and heating to save energy plus some smoothing of power to the motors. It seems to add a few mpg or extend ev range.
I await toyotas comment with interest. One or two lithium batteries and one normal car battery?
Hi Tony,
The Plug-in Prius has one Li-ion (Lithium) battery which is made up of 56 cells and sits under the boot space, and one 12v (normal car) battery.
The dashboard system shows two different styles of HV battery, to indicate clearly the difference between the Hybrid and EV modes. In EV mode the car will drive only on the Li-ion battery, without the use of the petrol engine. Should the driving environment dictate that more power is necessary the car will automatically change modes and engage the petrol engine. The 12v battery is standard on all cars and is used to power the electronics of the vehicle, such as the lights, radio etc as well as a starter motor.
Many thanks.
My feeling is in agreement that there is only one battery and the rest is up to Toyota software. For the record here is a summary of my data for the last year with a plug-in:
Overall mpg , a mixture of short and motorway journeys 70 mpg
Return journeys with all pre charging used up about 62mpg
For May, June, July (dominated by local ie home to golf club and back) display shows about 100mpg
What’s also of interest is when I recharge with heating/fan etc off charges to show about 11miles, if I then switch on Auto goes down to 9.7. Switch everything off back to 11.
My view is that this display (ie how far with pre-charged is not very useful). Difficult to judge what allowance it makes for recharging ( I think nothing) but I think would be better giving how many miles I have actually achieved with the pre-charging.
I have only once managed to empty the pre charged amount and got back into it with recharging while driving; this was on a drive back from Buxton to Cheshire
To summarise I think the displays should either simplify to show what’s happened or if predicting show more scenarios and what’s actually being achieved.
For completeness I’ve abandoned trying to “manage” the system and just set ECO an EV and let the software sort it out
Regards
Peter Wharton
Hi. Simple question. What is the charging current drawn from the mains whilst the plug in is on charge. Ie. 2.4 kw.
Many thanks
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
When charging the Prius Plug-in for the first time it will serge to up to about 10 amps and then it should settle to about 6 amps.
Hope this helps!
I recently purchased Prius Plug-In with standard charging cable with 3 pin plug. However, in our part of London there are only 7 pin charging points. The charger with 3 pin takes 10-16 amps from the mains, while 7 pin charging point is able to supply 32 amp. So there are to very important questions:
– Can Prius Plug-In perform 32 amps charging via cable with 7 pins plug?
If Yes
– Where can I buy this 7 pin cable?
If Not
– Where can I get the charging cable with 7 pin plug which delivers 10-16 amps charging? Or 7pin-to-3pin adapter?
I made an extensive research on Google about it but couldn’t find the answer. Am I the only one to face this problem?
Hello Alexander,
Great to hear you’ve a Prius Plug In!
Your car won’t take the 32amps, which is a quick charge. However, you can use both the 3 and 7 pin (Mennekes) chargers to charge your car. A 7 pin charger is available through your nearest Toyota Dealer, which you can find here: http://ow.ly/pqqqI.
Do hope this helps, let us know if you need anything else.