Toyota Motor Corporation is adding a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model to its lineup for the new "Prius," which debuted this January. It will go on sale March 15.

The fifth-generation Prius debuted under the concept of "Hybrid Reborn." As manufacturers worldwide advance powertrain electrification towards carbon neutrality, with BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) at the forefront, the Prius, a hybrid vehicle, must continue to be a beloved car for users. To achieve this, the new model was developed with the aim of creating an emotional car that combines "a design that captivates at first sight" with "driving that enthralls," in addition to its traditional strength of high environmental performance. The HEV (Hybrid) model, introduced earlier, has garnered significant popularity in the market.

The newly introduced PHEV model is the first for Toyota to adopt a newly developed 2-liter plug-in hybrid system, which combines a compact, high-capacity drive battery and a high-output drive motor, based on the latest fifth-generation hybrid system. It is positioned as the high-performance model of the Prius.

The system's maximum output is 164 kW (223 ps), approximately double that of the previous model, and it achieves 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. While ensuring excellent dynamic performance, it delivers fuel efficiency of 26.0 km/L with 19-inch tires and 30.1 km/L with 17-inch tires.

The EV mode driving range is 87 km with 19-inch tires and 105 km with 17-inch tires, a 75% improvement over the previous model. This provides a cruising range that allows for nearly all daily driving to be done solely on electricity, as if it were a BEV.

It also features a "Regenerative Boost" function, convenient for driving scenarios with frequent accelerator and brake pedal changes, such as on mountain roads. By applying strong regenerative braking, equivalent to B mode or higher, depending on the setting, it can reduce the number of pedal changes.

As features unique to the PHEV, in addition to the "EV Power Supply Mode" which allows the use of battery power for external supply when enjoying outdoor activities like camping, an "HEV Power Supply Mode" is set up to utilize the car as a power source during emergencies such as power outages or disasters.

In HEV Power Supply Mode, power is supplied using only the battery initially. When the battery charge drops below a certain level, the engine starts to generate electricity and continues the power supply. It is said to be able to supply power for approximately five days from a full battery and a full tank of gasoline.

As equipment for power supply, an external power supply attachment is standard, preventing the entry of insects and rainwater into the cabin. This allows for external power supply with the doors closed. Additionally, by inserting the included Vehicle Power Connector into the charging inlet, it can be used as a 100V/1,500W external power outlet.

Furthermore, a second-generation solar power generation system is available, which generates electricity equivalent to 1,250 km of EV driving per year through solar power captured by the high-efficiency solar panels mounted on the roof. This allows for charging via solar power even when parked in areas without charging stations or during power outages due to disasters.

The electricity generated by the solar panels charges the drive battery while parked, supplying power not only for driving but also for various functions such as the air conditioning. While driving, it supplies power to the auxiliary battery system, reducing the consumption of the drive battery.

As a unique feature, it includes a "My Room Mode" that allows the use of the air conditioning and audio system using external power during standard charging when the power switch is turned on. This enables the use of the car's interior space for teleworking or breaks without starting the engine.

The exterior adopts the same design as the HEV model, with differentiation achieved through changes in detail styling and color. The PHEV-exclusive design features sporty 19-inch alloy wheels, a metallic silver-painted lower grille, and smoke-tinted taillights.

Available only for the Z grade, the price is 4,600,000 yen.