11.4.2012 Prius plug-in hybrid now available to order

The Prius plug-in hybrid is now available to order, and will reach showrooms ready for delivery in July.

The plug-in version of the popular Prius model will offer all the familiar virtues of the existing Prius, but with more – not least the fact that CO2 has been lowered to just 49 g/km.

Like the conventional Prius hybrid, it is powered by an ultra-efficient full hybrid powertrain, but thanks to new, rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology, it can cover longer distances and reach higher speeds in its zero emission electric-only mode.

Unlike pure battery-electric vehicles, once the charge in the battery is used up, the car switches seamlessly to its hybrid system, so the driver need have no anxiety about journey distances.

As a result, the Prius plug-in's official CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km on the combined cycle represent the lowest in its vehicle class.

Recharging the battery is simple and speedy, using a power point linked to a standard domestic or workplace supply, or an on-street charging point. The Prius plug-in comes with a charging cable set as standard, including five metres of cabling, that can be stored neatly in a dedicated area beneath the boot floor. Next Green Car's Zap-Map displays over 1,500 publically accessible and compatible charging points across the UK.

Toyota has teamed up with British Gas as its UK partner which can provide both fleet and retail customers with site surveys and install the appropriate hardware.

The Prius plug-in hybrid is offered with a single equipment specification that includes a generous range of advanced features. These include LED daytime running lights and headlights, Toyota Touch and Go Plus with touch screen controls, satellite navigation, rear-view camera and advanced Bluetooth for phone connection and audio streaming, eight-speaker sound system, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and more.

Several options can be added, including black leather upholstery (£1,500) and rear privacy glass (£270). A Protection Pack (rear parking sensors and boot liner) and a Style Pack (exterior chrome trim elements) are also available, both at £360.

The Prius plug-in will qualify for the government's £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant. This element of the purchase will all be organised by the Toyota Centre handling the sale, Toyota (GB) and OLEV, placing no burden on the customer.

The price the customer pays will include the grant, so he or she will not have to claim the money back after purchase. Toyota's UK sales network is well experienced in handling this kind of arrangement, having handled similar processes for the previous PowerShift grants for hybrid vehicles and the Government's scrappage scheme.

The on-the-road price for Prius plug-in is £32,895, but this falls to £27,895 with the benefit of the £5,000 Government grant available on new vehicle purchases, provided through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). Deliveries will begin on 9 July.

Newspress