7.1.2013 Toyota leads in plug-in hybrid sales

Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid

The Toyota Prius Plug-in was the number one selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in the UK in 2012.

The car achieved 470 sales from its launch date in July 2012, outselling its nearest rival the Vauxhall Ampera, despite the Ampera being on sale since April.

This result is just part of a strong year for Toyota conventional and plug-in hybrid sales. Overall, the brand sold 12,840 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 15.2% compared to 2011. Hybrids from all manufacturers now account for over 1% of all UK new car sales.

In 2012, the hybrid range expanded from two to five vehicles: the Yaris Hybrid, 7-seat Prius+ and Prius Plug-in were added to the existing Prius and Auris Hybrid. The new Auris Hybrid, launched in December, is the latest model to feature a full hybrid power-train, returning fuel economy of 76.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of only 87 g/km.

The Toyota Prius Plug-in uses a emits an average of 49 gCO2/km according to the NEDC drive cycle (weighted combined), with an official fuel economy of 135 mpg. The low CO2 emissions means that annual car tax is free, and company car tax BIK rate is just 5% until at least 2015.

The Toyota Prius Plug-in receives a Next Green Car rating of 31.