The Evolution of a Hybrid Car That Has Sold 3.43 Million Units

The Prius consistently leads new car sales in Japan. While it took the first-generation Prius nearly 10 years, or 113 months, to reach 1 million cumulative sales in Japan, the subsequent 2 million and 3 million milestones were achieved in a remarkable 27 and 18 months, respectively, demonstrating its rapid adoption.

This is undoubtedly due to its high environmental performance. The Prius, a symbolic model for Toyota's hybrid vehicles, has now entered its next stage with the arrival of the "Prius PHV," a plug-in hybrid capable of charging from household power for extended driving range.

Equipped with a battery that can be fully charged in approximately 90 minutes using AC200V or 180 minutes using 100V, it achieves an EV driving range of 26.4 km. The combined fuel economy for EV and HV driving results in an astonishing plug-in hybrid fuel consumption rate of 61.0 km/L and CO2 emissions of just 38g/km.

Demonstration Tests Achieved Approximately 250 km/L!

Prior to the launch of the Prius PHV, Toyota conducted a three-month demonstration experiment with 25 Prius PHVs used by individual residents in Toyota City.

The results showed an average fuel economy of 44.8 km/L and a 72 percent reduction in petroleum consumption. Among the housewives participating in the monitoring, one recorded an astounding figure of approximately 250 km/L. This was achieved through repeated short-distance driving for shopping and school runs from home, coupled with frequent charging four to seven times a day.

Furthermore, one vehicle managed to travel approximately 3,500 km without refueling, demonstrating a level of fuel efficiency that transcends conventional low-consumption vehicles.

Targeting 60,000 Sales in Japan, the US, and Europe from ¥3.2 Million

Concurrent with the launch of the Prius PHV, Toyota is also initiating infrastructure development. Customers can enjoy one hour of free charging at "G-Station" charging stations installed at all Toyota dealerships nationwide. Additionally, Toyota is launching "eConnect," a service that allows users to check battery levels and EV driving range via smartphone, based on information transmitted from the vehicle to the "Toyota Smart Center."

Features such as ESPO, which displays fuel economy history and rankings among PHV owners nationwide, and a charging station locator are also available. Furthermore, Toyota is establishing a support system through its group companies, Toyota Home and Misawa Homes, to provide home electrical work services, aiming to promote PHV adoption. The system also plays a role in building future smart communities, with the "H2V (Home to Vehicle)" manager system enabling peak load shifting, such as halting charging during peak household electricity usage. Additionally, a complimentary three-year "PHV Drive Support" package, comprising five services including a battery health check, will be offered.

The sales target for the Prius PHV is 60,000 units annually, with 35,000 to 40,000 units allocated for Japan and the remainder for Europe and North America. The Prius PHV will be sold alongside the regular Prius and Prius α. With the addition of the "Aqua" (formerly known as Prius c), currently exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show held at Tokyo Big Sight, the Prius family will be further expanded.

TOYOTA PRIUS PHV S | Toyota Prius PHV S
Body Dimensions | Length 4,480 x Width 1,745 x Height 1,490 mm
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,410 kg
Engine | 1.8-liter inline-4 + electric motor
Max Output (Engine) | 73 kW (99 ps) / 5,200 rpm
Max Output (Motor) | 60 kW (82 ps)
Max Torque (Engine) | 142 Nm (14.5 kgm) / 4,000 rpm
Max Torque (Motor) | 207 Nm (21.1 kgm)
Max Output (Total) | 100 kW (136 ps)
Drivetrain | FF
Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 61.0 km/L
CO2 Emissions | 38 g/km
Price | ¥3,200,000