The 2017 Prius Prime is Toyota’s second-generation plug-in hybrid, boasting an impressive 120 MPGe rating, as well as a range of 22 miles when in all-electric mode, 600 miles when using battery and gas engine. This is up from the Prius Plug-In, which it replaces. That model got a mere 95 MPGe.
The new plug-in hybrid made its debut at the New York International Auto Show this week.
The Prime model shows some changes in appearance, with a lower arching back that makes the side windows appear longer. The whole appearance is intended to be sportier. Performance improvements are also cited. For example, it is possible to lock into the electric operation, meaning that, even if the accelerator is floored, the car will not shift to the gas engine.
Under the hood there are more changes, with an 8.8 kWh battery that is double that of the earlier models. A complete charge takes under 3 hours with a 240V source, 5.5 hours when connected to 120V. The all-electric speed has been upped to 84 mph, and the electric motor can achieve 127 horsepower, nearly double that of the Prius Plug-In.
Other design features are striking over the Plug-In. A rear hatch that is carbon fiber reduces weight and the use of dual-wave rear glass improves drag. Inside is an 11.6-inch touchscreen and a navigation system that includes a built-in map showing ChargePoint Stations.
Critics are reacting favorable to the new model, the price of which has not yet been disclosed. However, Toyota is predicting sales of 20,000 Prius Primes every year in the U.S. There is no word yet on when the Prime will first made be available.