If you haven’t already heard, Toyota launched the fifth-generation Toyota Prius in Japan with two hybrid powertrains in January this year. Fast forward to March, Toyota added a new plug-in hybrid model, the Toyota Prius PHEV, to the lineup which will be available only in Z-grade.
The 2023 Toyota Prius PHEV [JP] is the holy grail of the newest Prius powered by a newly developed 2.0L Plug-in Hybrid System that puts out an impressive 164 kW (223 PS or 220 HP) and enables a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 6.7 seconds.
The new Prius PHEV is outfitted with Regeneration Boost which provides stronger regenerative braking force and is more useful on mountain roads and in situations where regular switching between acceleration and braking is required.
The uprated 1VM electric motor is paired with a battery system that would allow for BEV driving of 87 km (54 miles) with 19-inch tires or 105 km (65 miles) with 17-inch tires – which should have most users’ daily travel needs. It is like having a BEV without the anxiety of range since it has an ICE to back it up when you need to cover more distances.
The IC engine is a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine, btw. Interestingly, the new Prius PHEV features a unique PHEV external power supply system that allows the PHEV’s battery to supply power for outdoor activities, like camping and whatnot.
There is also an external emergency power supply mode that provides a larger supply of power during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies by using the IC engine to generate electricity. So, yeah, the Prius PHEV is kind of like a mobile generator too which is super cool, IMHO.
All told, with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas, the Prius PHEV can provide around 5 days of electricity.
What’s even more interesting is the external electric power supply attachment comes as standard. This accessory allows the car to supply power with the doors and windows closed in the event of bad weather like rain or to keep insects out.
It is also supplied with a vehicle power connector that can be plugged into the charging inlet of the vehicle for use as an external power outlet, providing up to 1,500 W of power.
The new Prius PHEV further boasts a second-generation solar charging system installed on the vehicle’s roof that can efficiently convert solar energy into electricity to provide enough electric juice to drive up to 1,200 km (746 miles) per year in BEV mode. Now, that is one car that will be happy to be parked out in the open.
Aesthetically, the new 2023 Toyota Prius PHEV shares the same body design as the 2023 Prius but with subtle differences, including 19-inch aluminum wheels with a sporty and dynamic shape, a metallic silver lower grille, and smokey gray taillamps.
The 2023 Toyota Prius PHEV is available in Japan with a starting price of 4,600,000 yen (or about US$32,054 according to the current going rate).
Images: Toyota [JP].
