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2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In
Toyota Prius Plug-In Model Helping Propel Hybrid Cause
After six months on the market, the Prius Plug-in model has sold over 6,000 units. This sales figure represents sales momentum that has propelled the
Prius Plug-in to a stronger first full six-months sales pace (6,061 units) than Chevrolet Volt Plug-in (2,745 units) and the all-electric Nissan Leaf (3,875 units).
The Prius Plug-in model combines the benefits of the standard 50 mpg-rated Prius Liftback with extended electric vehicle (EV) driving and more
affordable pricing than pure electric or range-extender type vehicles. The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which offers seating for five, is EPA-rated at 95
MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in EV Mode and 50 MPG estimate in hybrid mode. A newly developed 4.4 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack
replaces the standard Prius model's nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery and fits under the rear cargo floor, and the vehicle adds an easy-to-use
external charging cable. A full charge using an external AC outlet takes approximately 2.5 to 3.0 hours using a 120v household outlet or 1.5 hours using a 240v charging station.
Buyer data shows that some consumers purchase a Prius Plug-in instead of a Chevy Volt or Nissan Leaf because of its fuel economy, how the Plug-in
dispels range anxiety of pure electrics, and the value that the Prius Plug-in represents. Customers are especially keen on the Plug-in's EV driving
capability and high MPG hybrid mode alternative. The Prius Plug-in's EV Mode range of up to 11 miles (EPA-rating) helps reduce trips to the gas pump by charging at home or the office.
Although individual results will vary, Prius Plug-in owners like Bay Area resident, Rich Stephens, have learned to appreciate the high efficiency of the
Prius Plug-in's blended fuel economy. Regarding his Prius Plug-in, Rich Stephens commented, "I commute 31 miles each way to work. I have put about
4,000 miles on my Prius Plug-in, equally split between gas and EV, and so far the average mileage shown on the computer is 136 MPG. With a full
charge, my estimated EV range on the dash started at 12.9, dipped slowly to 11.3 as I was learning how best to drive, but has gone back up now to
12.5 miles and continues to climb. In the mornings, even when it is cool, I can drive more than 14 miles in EV mode on the freeway."
Paul Kenyan of Massachusetts adds, "When I pre-ordered the Prius Plug-in, I was wondering (and hoping) if it would do my 15-mile commute in EV
mode. To my pleasant surprise, I have found that I can do it with 2 - 2-1/2 miles of EV range to spare. Even with the A/C on, I make it home with a
mile or more left. Of course, terrain, speed limits, climate and driving style have something to do with that."
Mark Rickey, a Prius Plug-in owner in New York says his EV range helps him postpone the engagement of the gasoline engine during his commute and
provides greater efficiency. "My commute in EV Mode is early in the morning with light traffic, so I am able to drive most of it at 35 mph, timingall the
street lights to reduce stop and go," he said. "My engine typically doesn't engage until I am over the Verrazano Bridge. The system shows a 120 mpg
blended average for my commute. I have put 2,500 miles on the car thus far, with an average fuel economy of 69 mpg, which is the result of blended operation that is about 30% EV and 70% hybrid."
2013 TOYOTA FULL-LINE PRICING
***Prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include delivery, processing and handling fee which is $995 for large trucks
(Sequoia/Land Cruiser/Tundra only) $845 for light trucks and $795 for passenger cars (as of 9/1/12)***
- 2013 Prius Plug-in $32,000
- 2013 Prius Plug-in Advanced $39,525
Toyota Confirms Prius Plug-In's Eligibility for an Additional State of California Consumer Incentive and Its EPA Mileage Rating
As the 2012 Prius Plug-in models begin to arrive at dealerships, Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. announces that it has been approved for the State of California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP).
Designed to promote the use of Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) and related clean vehicle technologies, the CVRP is a consumer incentive made
available in addition to the $2,500 Federal Tax creditı offered for qualified vehicles. The 2012 Prius Plug-in also offers consumers eligibility for the State of California's HOV lane sticker.
The CVRP program offers rebates to individuals, business owners, non-profit groups, and government entities that purchase or lease new eligible
zero-emission or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Under this program, the Prius Plug-in is eligible for a $1,500 rebate that will be provided to
consumers on a first come first-served basis. These grants are available when a vehicle is either purchased or leased for 36 months or longer. The CVRP is funded by the California Air Resources Board (ARB).
The first-ever Prius Plug-in Hybrid, combines the benefits of the third-generation Prius Liftback's Hybrid Synergy Drive with a dedicated electric
driving (EV) capability, in a package that is priced more competitively than most currently available plug-in hybrids or pure Battery Electric Vehicles
(BEV). The Prius Plug-injoins the Prius Family, which includes the third-generation Prius Liftback, the versatile new Prius v and the all-new
subcompact Prius c, which will be available in March of 2012. The Prius Plug-in features a new Lithium-ion battery, which boosts its overall fuel
economy and offers convenient charging times of only 2.5-3 hours using a standard 120V outlet or 1.5 hours using 240V.
While in EV Mode, the Prius Plug-in is rated by the EPA to drive up to 11 miles. It's also capable of traveling up to 62 mph using electric power alone.
During EV Mode driving, the Prius Plug-in is rated at 95MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). In hybrid mode, it has an EPA combined mileage rating of 50
mpg. This means that when the EV Mode is depleted, Prius Plug-in still obtains the same estimated high fuel economy rating as Prius Liftback. With its
Lithium-ion power and extended electric vehicle mode, the Prius Plug-in is EPA-rated for a total driving range of 540 miles.
It will be available in two models, the Prius Plug-in and the Prius Plug-in Advanced. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid model comes equipped with an abundance
of standard features including LED Daytime Running Lights, Smart Key on three doors, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™ with integrated
backup camera, Touch Tracer Display, heated front seats, Remote Climate (A/C only), EV/ECO/POWER modes, unique15-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, enhanced Multi-information Display and much more.
The Prius Plug-in Advanced model adds additional standard features including Premium HDD Navigation with Entune™ and JBL® GreenEdge™, Plug-in
Hybrid Applications through a user's smartphone (Charge Management, Remote Climate, Vehicle Finder, Charging Station Map², and ECO Dashboard²),
Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, LED headlamps with auto on/off feature and integrated fog lamps, SofTex-trimmed seating, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, Safety Connect and more.
The base MSRP for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is $32,000. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Advanced has an MSRP of $39,525. Both Prius Plug-in models are
eligible for up to $4,000 worth of government-supported consumer incentives ($2,500 federal tax creditı and $1500 worth of the State of California's
Clean Vehicle Rebate Program), in addition to offering eligibility for California's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane sticker.
At launch, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be available in the following 14 states: California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts,
Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. A national rollout of Prius Plug-in is planned for 2013.
- Individual purchasers of a Prius Plug-in vehicle may be able to take advantage of the Federal Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle tax
credit. The Prius Plug-in vehicle tax credit is confirmed to be $2,500. Individuals should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the
specific amount of benefit, if any, that they may be able to claim on their federal income tax returns.
- Charging Station Map and ECO Dashboard Apps available summer 2012; all other apps available at launch.
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