A few new details regarding Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid
Recharging the Prius
Production plug-in Prius has evolved past prototype
Final details regarding the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid are still not fully clear, but the production version of the plug-in Prius will have some new features compared to the conventional Prius, as well as the prototype plug-in.
For example, instead of the 4 driving modes found in the current Prius, the new plug-in Prius will only have 3.
While today’s Prius starts in the normal/default mode with Eco, Power and EV options, the new Prius will start in EV mode with Eco and Power options. According to MotorTrend this could enable the plug-in Prius to save EV range for city driving, while functioning like a 50 mpg Prius when hitting the highway.
Additionally, the prototype plug-in Prius functions just like a conventional Prius once EV range is expired. Consequently, until recharged, full EV mode was no longer possible.
The production plug-in Prius, however, can use regenerative and engine braking to recharge the battery pack enough so that EV range can be restored if conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic, enable such recharging. Consequently, total EV range becomes a somewhat fluid number.
Unfortunately, no new details on the key issue, price.
@LarryG:
It is quite possible that this is the “way” they do business as you suggested. I am also calling upon my old quality guru stuff and guessing that they are going to try some smaller number first to see if any early failure modes show up. If the technology proves to be sound, I think we will hear a lot more about it.
but… Toyota is not exactly beating the drums on their “new” innovations… it’s almost like a stealth PR effort.
Maybe that’s the Toyota “way”, eh?
Now we are talking – this is how hybrids were meant to work. There are reasons why Toyota is number 1.