EPA Says Toyota Prius Plug In Will Have 11 Mile Range On Batteries

Depending on how one drives it, Toyota’s Prius Plug-In can go a few miles farther than its U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating, but officially it can be expected to travel 11 miles in electric-only mode.

This falls short of the “up to 15 miles” at speeds up to 62 mph estimated after consulting with Toyota for our full review.

Although not an apples-to-apples comparison, the Plug-In Prius is often weighed against the Chevy Volt, which is marketed as an "extended-range electric vehicle." With its larger battery pack, the domestically produced rival from GM is intended to stay in all-electric mode and up to 100 mph (at certain highway speeds the gas generator does kick on) for an EPA-estimated 35 miles – though this too can vary greatly depending on usage and ambient temperature.

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atc98092 - 2/29/2012 6:39:11 PM

+1 Boost

I was with ya until you got to looks. I disagree with you there, but looks are very subjective. What I like you may not, and vice versa.

However, remember one reason it is cheaper is the smaller battery. Put one in large enough to reach the same expected range as the Volt and I doubt you'd see a significant price difference.

vdiv - 3/1/2012 4:54:52 PM

+1 Boost

Battery:
Prius PHEV: 4.4 kWh
Volt EREV: 16 kWh

Electric Motors/Generators:
Prius PHEV: 80 kW, 42 kW
Volt EREV: 111 kW, 55 kW

Gas Tank:
Prius PHEV: 10.6 gal_us/40 L
Volt EREV: 9.3 gal_us/35 L

Gas Engine:
Prius PHEV: 1.8 L I4 98 hp/73 kw, 87+ octane (regular)
Volt EREV: 1.4 L I4 80 hp/63 kw, 91+ octane (premium)

Curb Weight:
Prius PHEV: 3165 lbs./1436 kg
Volt EREV: 3781 lbs./1715 kg

The Volt would not turn on the gas engine while in EV mode at any speed under any torque demand, while the Plugin Prius would. Everything else is how one drives the cars and in what conditions.

topneuro - 2/29/2012 5:33:06 PM

+1 Boost

My work commute round trip is 20 miles. The new Prius plug-in will eventually exterminate the regular Prius sales and Chevy Volt if they can boost up battery full electric range close to a minimum of 40-50 miles instead of 11-13 miles.

truckman - 3/1/2012 4:15:41 AM

+2 Boost

11km, not impressed, although better than it was.

wcbrown - 3/1/2012 2:52:08 PM

+2 Boost

It MOST CERTAINLY DOES NOT look better than a Volt (side eye).