Toyota Plug-In Prius

[Doug_G]

Plug-in Prius Review

Design News - Captain Hybrid - Video: Our Prius Plug-In Test Drive

During our test drive, we got the advertised 13-14 miles of range. When we drove within that all-electric range, our vehicle estimated its own fuel efficiency at 99mpg. It should be noted, however, that even when we drove within the electric range, the vehicle autonomously shifted back and forth between electric and hybrid modes. The main reason was acceleration. When we stepped deep into the accelerator, the car shifted into hybrid mode for about 10 seconds until a constant velocity was reached, and then it switched back. After a low-speed, 4.3-mile circuit, the vehicle’s dashboard display claimed it had been in EV mode 75 percent of the time and in hybrid mode for the remaining 25 percent.

A longer drive was a different matter. As soon as we reached 60mph on a local expressway, the car shifted into hybrid mode and stayed there. The shift was seamless. During a 155-mile ride, the vehicle was in all-electric mode just 4 percent of the time. The fuel efficiency was still impressive, however, coming in at 56.6mpg.

 

[Doug_G]

More detailed article on plug-in Prius technology

Some interesting info here:

Design News - Captain Hybrid - Prius Plugs Into a New Era

 

[AnOutsider]

...and the prius still reigns supreme. Toyota really has done a good job with that car. I would have liked to see more Electric range though

 

[mwg]

There is an opportunity to test drive the plug-in prius this Saturday in Richmond, CA at the Green Drive Expo: Green Drive Expo - Bay Area

"For complimentary admission go to Home Page Green Drive Expo and click on the 'Free Admission' button and enter discount code "TOYOTA".

Per their facebook page: Facebook

 

[dhrivnak]

Plug in Prius with Enginer Kit

I have already had the benefit of a plug-in Prius for about 6 months now since I installed the Enginer kit. The kit is about $3000 and will turn any Prius into a plug in electric. It adds 4kw of batteries and can be installed in a weekend. So if you already own a Prius you too can have a plug-in. Some details on the Plug-in Prius

 

[doug]

Design News - Captain Hybrid - Video: Our Prius Plug-In Test Drive

During a 155-mile ride, the vehicle was in all-electric mode just 4 percent of the time.

Sounds like Toyota should adapt the Volt slogan. More hybrid than electric.

 

[TEG]

Design News - Captain Hybrid - Prius Plugs Into a New Era

"I'm not getting another gas-burning car," says Guardino, who started testing the Prius last year.

Who is he kidding?! It *IS* a gas burning car.

If Guardino's opinion is any indication of broader public perception, then Toyota's new plug-in vehicle may be about to hit its target in the consumer space. The forthcoming Prius isn't an electric car, but it could give consumers the feeling of owning one, since it calls for them to plug it into an electrical outlet.

Exactly what I feared they would start doing. Anything with a plug is now a pretend electric car.
"My range extender is bigger than yours". Triple sigh.

You think we have a problem now with people questioning the Volts parked all day in the few charging spots... Just wait...

 

[Doug_G]

Still 9,999. Did the counter get stuck?

 

[bonnie]

It's like time has just stood still. Or (with a nod to xkcd), perhaps he's just spinning opposite the earth's rotational direction, effectively turning the clock back.

dizzy teg?

 

[doug]

Toyota Plug-in Prius priced at $32,000* and Prius V from $26,400*

 

[doug]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz50_1Y2pXU

 

[vfx]

^^^

When I heard about this one I wondered.

At least it's not creepy.

 

[doug]

At least it's not creepy.

It's not??

 

[TEG]

Banished from the H.O.V. Lane, Prius Drivers May Be First to Embrace New Plug-In Model - NYTimes.com

 

[vfx]

It's not??

I see an equal muppet to creepy ratio. The bright colors and happy music help.

 

[rabar10]

It's not??

It's totally creepy. Worse than clowns.

 

[doug]

Behind The Disturbing Ad Campaign For The 2012 Toyota Prius

... at a minimum, that guy is plain creepy to look at.

 

[efxjim]

We thought the same thing when we were working on it.

 

[smorgasbord]

It's totally creepy. Worse than clowns.

Maybe Toyota thinks the Prius is for people with split personalities...

 

[vfx]

I am definitely in the uncanny valley segment of the population. I guess I see this as softly anthropomorphic.