Toyota gets bullish on plug-in hybrids with new Prius Prime

As long at the entry price of the plug in Prius does not change much I think that amount range will be a very enticing sales point. I own Two Prius' and they're great cars.

The Prime is in line with Toyota’s image as a green automaker,

God help us.

The Prime is in line with Toyota’s image as a green automaker,

God help us.

Indeed. Toyota Tundra, anyone? Thankfully, VW group has just upped the ante, announcing 30 all-new, all-electric models by 2025. On another note:

Toyota has not yet announced pricing for the Prius Prime

The launch premium for the last plug-in Prius was a whopping million yen, hence the low sales. The latest seems to boast photovoltaic panels on the roof too, so don't expect bargain pricing when it comes out this autumn. http://toyota.jp/new_priusphv/

Loving our seven seater Prius Alpha, though, which has averaged 19.3 km/l over 42,000 km.

S

enseNotSoCommon Loving our seven seater Prius Alpha, though, which has averaged 19.3 km/l over 42,000 km.

Is it really 7 seater, Can a 10 year old not to talk of an adult sit comfortably on the last row?

Is it really 7 seater, Can a 10 year old not to talk of an adult sit comfortably on the last row?

An apt question, thanks. Best to call it an occasional seven seater. A 5+2?

What's the point of the Prius? It used to sell on the fact it was a hybrid, but now a hybrid option can be specified on a lot of new cars. If there's a hybrid Corolla (may be called something else in Japan, I've not paid much attention) they have two normal-sized saloon cars on the market, probably without a great deal to choose between them other than looks.

It'll be interesting to see how much Toyota push this. Despite having the Prius which could be easily converted to PHV since 2005 (or whenever the hatchback one came out), they have been very lukewarm about plugins and have also pushed the hydrogen-powered Mirai with plenty of fanfare.

It looks like the Prime is a four seater with the back seat being split, presumably by a raised floor to house the bigger battery.

Some people might diss the styling etc. but the Prius family are great cars. Super reliable.

What's the point of the Prius?

It's drag coefficient etc. make it >20% more fuel efficient than the Corolla, albeit with a starting price a million yen higher.

Many people love the look, and for some it's a hairshirt-and-ashes opportunity.

One reason why the Prius sells surprisingly well is the amazing amount of interior space for a relatively small vehicle. That's why the Prius sells in large numbers even in Japan with its narrow city streets. And when driving reasonably (like steadily at 65 mph (105 km/h)), the fuel economy is nothing of outstanding.

-takes a long time to charge

-solar panels not available in the US etc.

For people that want the excellent fuel economy of the Prius and the option to not use gasoline at appropriate times it may make sense. For a short trip family car it could be ideal and with batteries only getting better your electric only options should only get better in future. Maybe the best hedge option if gasoline prices rise.

As with the original Prius, the customer will decide if this transportation solution is a success.