We were blessed with the opportunity to test drive and photograph a prototype Prius plug-in hybrid at Toyota's Sustainable Mobility Seminar. It wasn't a long drive (only about 15 minutes), but we were able to cruise much of that time in EV (Electric Vehicle) mode. This prototype operates very similarly to the regular Prius, but its main advantage is extended (higher speed and longer range) EV operation--owing to its high capacity batteries and ability to be recharged from the grid--which translates into substantial gains in fuel economy and reduced tailpipe emissions. While the two cars ride, handle, and look essentially the same, here are the advantages of the plug-in over the conventional Prius:
EV driving range- Plug-in: 7 miles
- Prius: a few minutes at low speed
- Plug-in: 60 mph
- Prius: 20 to 30 mph under light load
- Plug-in: 13 Ah
- Prius: 6.5 Ah
- Plug-in: 100kW (134 hp)
- Prius: 81kW (110 hp)
 Prius front seats |  Rear seating |
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