Toyota Plug-in Prius: Launch and Field Testing Details

We know that Toyota was planning the new Plug-in Prius, but they officially launched the new vehicle in Japan yesterday. The next six months will be busy for Toyota as there will be extensive field-testing ahead of its 2011 launch date. The Japanese car manufacturer will offer 600 test vehicles to a number of markets, most of which will be in Japan.

Those test cars will be leased to not only government departments, but also commercial and university fleets as well. Toyota will then use the information gathered to make changes as needed. The new plug-in version of the Prius now comes with a new battery; the standard nickel metal hydride unit has been replaced with a 5.2 kWh lithium ion battery.

Using a standard household power outlet can charge the new Prius Plug-in. The new battery also comes with an extended driving range, allowing you to drive for longer in EV mode. You will still get the use from a gasoline engine, but will now offer greater combined fuel figures.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid can travel for 23 km on a full charge on just battery power and has a top speed of 100 km/h; these advances will help to reduce CO2 emissions. As we mentioned above, Japan will get most of these test units, 230 in total. 150 will go to the U.S. and 200 going to Europe.

Toyota is also considering another 10 European countries and other regions such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand. For more details, visit Autoblog.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or get daily updates via email.

• Toyota to test Hybrid Prius plug-in with li-ion packs
• Plug-in Toyota Prius hybrid insight
• Toyota and EDF launching plug-in hybrid Prius
• Video shows how to convert your Toyota Prius hybrid in to a Plug-in and get 100 mpg

Related News

1. Ariel Atom V8: Pocket sized Bugatti Veyron slayer
2. Paris Motor Show 2010: Bentley Continental GT unvealed
3. Paris Motor Show 2010: Lamborghini Murciélago concept preview
4. Nissan GT-R: ” Egoist ” Luxury version