Toyota doubles the electric range in the new version of Prius PHEV with 8.8 kWh pack
23 March 2016
Toyota unveiled the new Prius Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Toyota expects the Prius Prime’s manufacturer-estimated 120 or above MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) to be the highest MPGe rating of any current plug-in hybrid. It also represents a substantial 26-percent enhancement over its predecessor, the Prius PHV, a result of greater battery capacity and an improved hybrid system. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime is targeting a hybrid MPG equal to or better than the Prius liftback.
Toyota also expects the Prius Prime, equipped with an 8.8 kWh battery pack, to offer an estimated 22 miles (35.4 km) of all-electric range—twice the electric range of the previous model with its 4.4 kWh pack—and to drive at speeds up to 84 mph (135 km/h).
Both the standard Prius hybrid and the Prius Prime are powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which combines the output of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The biggest difference is that the Prius Prime can be plugged in at home to recharge its larger 8.8kWh battery pack.
In Hybrid mode, the Prius Prime can run on the gasoline engine or electric motor alone or a combination of both. Even when not running in EV mode, the Prius Prime will automatically rely more on its electric capability in situations where it is more efficient than running the gasoline engine, especially in urban and suburban driving and during shorter trips.
The Prius Prime will also feature a Toyota-first dual motor generator drive system, using both the electric motor and the generator for drive force, helping to boost acceleration performance. Regenerative braking recaptures electrical energy under deceleration and braking and stores it in the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.
The 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine—the same as in all 2016 Prius hybrid models—earns a 40%-plus thermal efficiency. Numerous details throughout the hybrid powertrain contribute to the efficiency, including an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with a cooler, smaller, lighter, quieter hybrid system water pump and an exhaust heat recirculation system that speeds engine warm-up.
Available Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) uses ultrasonic wave sensors to size up a parallel parking space and then, when activated by the driver, can steer the car into it. The system can also reverse the Prius Prime into perpendicular spaces and automatically steer it out of a parallel space.
When the way forward gets narrow, such as in a parking garage, the system’s Intelligent Clearance Sonar provides visible and audible warnings if the driver gets too close to obstacles on the vehicle’s sides.
The vehicle also offers Toyota’s advanced safety technology, Toyota Safety Sense P. This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop technology and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available for additional peace of mind.
All 2017 Prius hybrid models come standard with eight supplemental restraint system airbags, including multi-stage driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags; full-length curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag, and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.
On one 11.3-gallon tank of regular-grade gasoline and a full electric charge, the 2017 Prius Prime anticipates a class-leading estimated total driving range of over 600 miles (966 km). The 2017 Prius Prime will begin arriving in Toyota showrooms in late fall.
Excellent, now how much will it cost ?
Posted by: mahonj | 23 March 2016 at 07:36 AM
Better but still less than half the range of the Volt.
Posted by: sd | 23 March 2016 at 08:28 AM
Here is another step from Toyota towards a more decent PHEV with more e-range with larger battery and much lower estimated fuel consumption with an improved ICE.
Many posters may not like this new PHEV but it puts Toyota in first place again with over 120 empg?
Posted by: HarveyD | 23 March 2016 at 08:30 AM
A step in the right direction. It will be interesting to see how well it competes with a 53 electric mile Volt and 27 electric mile Hyundai Sonata PHEV.
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 23 March 2016 at 08:34 AM
This hits the sweet spot for the Chinese and European markets, which are likely to be number one and number two for PHEV sales over the next few years.
There is no point buying capacity which you rarely use.
If batteries progress in energy density, in due course a higher capacity version can be made for the US market primarily within the same form factor.
If batteries do not progress in energy density and drop in cost, then they won't catch on in a big way anyway.
Posted by: Davemart | 23 March 2016 at 10:04 AM
Well said Davemart. This PHEV has room for future improvement. With improved battery pack, e-range could double and triple by 2020/2025 or so?
Posted by: HarveyD | 23 March 2016 at 11:29 AM
@Harvey:
I was thinking more on the lines of 50%! :-)
Posted by: Davemart | 23 March 2016 at 12:24 PM
One detail the summary misses - apparently there will only be room for two in the back making this a 4-seater. Not even a 1/2 seat for someone small to squeeze into like the the '16+ Volt.
That's going to rule this vehicle out for a lot of people, unfortunately. There's a lot of 2-child families out there who occasionally need to squeeze a 3rd child back there.
Posted by: Dave R | 23 March 2016 at 02:08 PM
Yes, 50% may be the very first step before 2020 followed by 100% and 200% in the post 2020 era?
Posted by: HarveyD | 23 March 2016 at 03:57 PM
re 4 seater:
You can see the image of the back seat here
http://pressroom.toyota.com/images/2017_Toyota_Prius_Prime_07_AB4AD851FF5289059A23886F9CD4B5C9E601B2F0_low.jpg
The good news is that if they wanted to, they could put 3 seats across the back - there is no huge obstacle there.
Posted by: mahonj | 23 March 2016 at 04:56 PM
But the bad news is that they didn't put the 3rd seat in.
Only 2 riders in the back is a deal breaker for me. I'll stick with my 2012 PiP thank you.
Posted by: TM | 25 March 2016 at 07:29 PM