After years of experimenting with designs influenced by boredom, Toyota has finally perfected the Prius design with the all-new model. But what do they go and do next? They introduce a Plugin Hybrid Prius for the UK market. Plugin hybrids offer a glimpse into a car manufacturer’s strategic direction for next-generation powertrains. This isn’t merely about CO2 emissions or combating global warming; this argument is losing ground as it’s predominantly supported by corporations who privately hold little genuine interest in the global warming debate.
While plug-in hybrid powertrains are technically interesting, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly catching up with internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains in terms of range. The range constraints of EVs are gradually fading away; for instance, the revised 2024 specification Tesla Model 3 can cover 350 miles on a single charge. It’s only a matter of time before EVs surpass ICE models by providing superior range.
The Toyota Prius PHEV serves as a stop-gap solution with its dual powertrains, integrating both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) components to provide a combined electric range of 44 miles along with conventional petrol range.
Nevertheless, the Prius possesses an advantage: once the electric range is depleted, it seamlessly transitions into hybrid mode. This feature sets it apart as the only plug-in hybrid to offer such functionality.
The UK-spec Toyota Prius Plugin-Hybrid starts at an entry-level price of £37,315, whereas the Tesla Model 3 begins at £39,990 for comparison. The Prius is offered in two specifications: Design and Excel. Power is derived from a 220bhp, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a front-mounted electric motor.
While I personally view plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as a regression, the reality of consumer demand contradicts my sentiment. PHEV sales are surging, and Toyota’s decision to offer them aligns with consumer preferences. Evidently, a large swath of consumers remain hesitant to fully transition to electric vehicles (EVs) at this time.
