Toyota introduces the 5th generation plug-in Prius

Toyota launched the world premiere of its fifth-generation Prius from Japan this morning. The popular plug-in hybrid sees a new exterior design and will offer a decent boost to its electric range compared to its previous generation.

The Toyota Prius has been in production for more than two decades and holds its place in automotive history as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. It has been sold as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle since 2012, followed by the Toyota Prius Prime first introduced in 2016.

The Prime offered an all-electric EPA range of 25 miles, more than double the range of the first-generation model. With today’s announcement of Toyota’s next generation of plug-in hybrids, the Prius can offer 50% more all-electric range (~36 EV miles only) as well as a more aerodynamic design. Looked.

The new Toyota Prius gets the biggest redesign in years

Toyota has shared details of the new Prius via a press release following its world premiere (see below). The vehicle has a new plug-in hybrid system with a more powerful engine (and motor).

The body of the new Prius has been “aerodynamically streamlined” for better fuel efficiency, better handling and better stability. Its second-generation GA-C platform also features less weight, increased stiffness and a lower center of gravity.

According to Toyota, the goal of this new Prius was to allow drivers to do the majority of their daily trips in EV mode, which offers 50% more range than the previous generation (~36 miles compared to 25 miles). This extra range comes from the Prius’ new 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, integrated with more energy-dense cells installed under the rear seat.

Following its debut in Japan, the fifth-generation Toyota Prius will be on display at Automobility LA. Its European premiere will take place on December 5 before sales in spring 2023 in a plug-in version only. Check out the world premiere video below.

Electrek’s Grasp

While the Prius can’t be forgotten for its role in the automotive market as the once-dominant gateway to all-electric vehicles, Toyota’s deep focus on this latest-generation PHEV as a design feat worth celebrating undermines completely his lack of dedication to the BEV industry. which accelerates without it.

The added all-electric range is nice and all, don’t get me wrong. The new Prius could be a great affordable commuter car for consumers who can’t drain their entire 13.6kW battery to get to and from work each day. In this sense it is good, but it remains a vehicle equipped with a combustion engine which releases carbon emissions. So that’s a no-start for me.

I can’t help but feel like I’m sharing news of a brand new DVD player in the age of streaming. Plug-ins are certainly better than traditional combustion vehicles and regular old hybrids, but we’ve already seen BEV models in the $40,000s with several more on the horizon pushing $30,000. At this price, why bother with a Prius?

There is an argument to be made that over the next 10 years battery supply will be the main constraint to EV adoption and that it is better to have six 13.6kWh PHEVs on the road than a single 82 kWh EV on the road. A much higher percentage of daily kilometers would be electric in the PHEV scenario. In fact, many people could use electricity almost exclusively, especially if there is a 110V outlet at work.

Perhaps this could serve as a stopgap before your next BEV, especially with such high wait times due to exorbitant demand. We may never knock the Prius for what it helped jumpstart for EVs, but its time in the sun certainly seems fleeting, so forgive me if I’m not as keen to put Toyota on my shoulders as delivery champ. another hybrid, even if it’s a plug-in.