Toyota is introducing the plug-in-in Hybrid Prius.  See image.  This is in addition to the regular Prius hybrid.  You now have the option, with the plug-in hybrid, of using the electric portion for driving and recharging.  More on that to come in the Toyota Prius Plug-in. 

When most people hear Hybrid car they often think of the Toyota Prius.  The Toyota Prius has been around for many years and they keep improving on the Hybrid technology.  The current model has:

4 trim packages
Combined MPG of 50 MPG
Is a roomy sedan – did I just say roomy – yes, it is very roomy for a small sedan
MSRP for base model is $22,400.00
Drive is smooth and comfortable


Toyota Prius - Under the hood
The new Toyota Prius has a 1.8-liter engine with 134-horse power.
Has a Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery
That deliverse 36 hp
201.6 Volts

Driving modes
1.    Power – flip the switch and this will increase the throttle response
2.    Economy – reduces throttle response to save gas
3.    EV – (that is electric vehicle mode) flip this switch and you can drive on pure electric power at low speeds for a short distance.

There are two modes Eco and Power modes

The breaks are a neat feature on the Prius and many of the hybrid cars.  The front wheels are power-assisted ventilated front disc and the rear discs are anti-lock brake system (ABS) and integrated regenerative braking.  Ok, what does that mean?  It means when you brake the system recoups some of the energy to charge the battery.


Toyota Prius Exterior

The shape of the Toyota Prius is one of the most aerodynamic vehicles on the market today.  This is one reason why the Prius can achieve the mile per gallon that it does.  Everyone knows what a Prius looks like so we do not see Toyota change the look too dramatically. 

Some say the Toyota Prius is funny looking.  Others say it is a futuristic look.  Those who own a Prius know it makes a statement.  Since the Prius is the most widely recognizable hybrid vehicle on the road it certainly does make a statement.

The Interior of the Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius, like many other hybrids, gets part of the fuel efficiency from reducing weight.  The Prius uses many lightweight but yet every bit as safe and durable materials.  Some of the items that are replaced with these lightweight durable materials are the seating.  By reducing the size of the seating it frees up much more interior space.  The materials used in the seating are also lighter in weight then traditional materials.  The interior dash and door coverings are all lightweight materials.  Many of these materials are also eco friendly and come from renewable sources.

You can get many of the same features in the Toyota Prius as you can in a regular gas car such as heated seats. 

There is a new feature that helps keep the interior of the car cool when the Prius is parked in the heat.  Or if you need the interior to stay heated that can be done as well.  If the car is parked how does it manage to do this you might be wondering.  Well those solar panels on top of the moon roof are where that power is coming from.  A nice feature that a gas car isn’t talking about.