The Plug-In Prius is here, and I got a blue one!
The 2012 Plug-In Prius went on sale in 14 states, including Maryland in March, 2012. See Toyota's Plug-In Prius site for current availability. The Plug-In claims to go 11 miles and up to 62 mph on on the electricity from the 4.4 kWh Li-ion battery. It also claims up to 112 mph and 540 miles with a full battery and full 10.6 gallon tank of gasoline. The Prius drivetrain is rated 134 hp (100 kW) total, the combination of a 1.8 L, 98 hp (73 kW) Atkinson cycle infernal combustion engine +/- two electric motor/generators. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive is a series/parallel = “full hybrid” system. It uses two electric motor/generators. The smaller one (MG1, 56 hp=42 kW) is the starter and generator. The large one (MG2, 80 hp=60kW) is the main traction motor and kinetic regenerator. MG2 connects mechanically to the drive shaft, allowing the engine to run at optimal speed and load while its power is transmitted, or stored, electrically. The car can be propelled by the engine, motor, both, or neither. The gasoline engine always runs at speeds above 62 mph, to warm up the engine in winter, and to run the heater when needed. The PIP can charge the traction battery via the plug, while running the engine, while going downhill or slowing by releasing the accelerator, or by applying the breaks. I expect the 4x larger capacity battery will assist while climbing mountains and then regenerate electricity the entire way down. See our EV page.
"Beam Me Up"All 2012 and later electric capable vehicles are required to have an audible warning for pedestrians when traveling less than 15 mph. Here is a video which has the sound of the 2012 Prius. I think it sounds like the transporter on Star Trek, so "Beam me up, Scotty," or even more appropriate: "Energize."
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Captain's Log:
Earthdate 2012042319 "A New Dawn": It's here! The new Plug-In Prius has arrived in Frederick, MD.
Earthdate 2012042418 "Maiden Voyage": The test drive of the new Plug-In Prius (PIP) started with a full charge, indicating 13 miles of EV range. The test road inculded Interstate 270 and rolling hills. After the 13 mile trip the battery indicated 1.1 miles remaining. The trip computer indicated 200 mpg! While I may never see that again, this is clearly the dawn of a new, electric age.
Earthdate 2012042508 "First contact": After plugging in at home using an existing outdoor outlet the battery again showed a full charge and 13 mile EV range. I selected HV mode to save the battery for low speed driving later. It was a pleasant surprise to get 65 mpg in hybrid mode, well above the EPA estimated 50 mpg for HV mode. I think the larger capacity battery improves HV mode as well as allowing more rnage in EV mode. Click on the sticker below to see the EPA estimates.
Earthdate 2012042512 "999": A short drive in EV mode at lunch was rewarded with 999 mpg for the trip. A pedestrian responded to the VPNS sound.
Earthdate 2012042609 "I'm Learning": Using EV mode for slow travel and HV mode for highway resulted in 95 mpg for the 30 mile morning commute.
Earthdate 2012042418 "Maiden Voyage": The test drive of the new Plug-In Prius (PIP) started with a full charge, indicating 13 miles of EV range. The test road inculded Interstate 270 and rolling hills. After the 13 mile trip the battery indicated 1.1 miles remaining. The trip computer indicated 200 mpg! While I may never see that again, this is clearly the dawn of a new, electric age.
Earthdate 2012042508 "First contact": After plugging in at home using an existing outdoor outlet the battery again showed a full charge and 13 mile EV range. I selected HV mode to save the battery for low speed driving later. It was a pleasant surprise to get 65 mpg in hybrid mode, well above the EPA estimated 50 mpg for HV mode. I think the larger capacity battery improves HV mode as well as allowing more rnage in EV mode. Click on the sticker below to see the EPA estimates.
Earthdate 2012042512 "999": A short drive in EV mode at lunch was rewarded with 999 mpg for the trip. A pedestrian responded to the VPNS sound.
Earthdate 2012042609 "I'm Learning": Using EV mode for slow travel and HV mode for highway resulted in 95 mpg for the 30 mile morning commute.