Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Officially Announced, Taken for a Spin [PI

**Waqas** · September 18, 2011

The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid was officially unveiled on Friday, and it’s due to hit the streets in March, 2012. Now the first reports of what it’s like to drive one are just coming in.

The coolest aspect of the car is its ability to function as a purely electric vehicle for up to 15 miles at speeds of 62mph before the gasoline engine kicks in. It can accomplish that feat thanks to its heftier 4.4kWh lithium-ion battery that replaces the old Prius’s NiMH batteries. These new batteries charge in 1.5 hours if you plug the car into a 240V outlet, but take roughly twice that long if plugged into a standard 120V outlet.

Just 15 miles? You might be asking, so what? That 15-mile distance might be enough for a quick run to the supermarket and back, no gasoline required. And you get that snappy acceleration with instant torque that’s the hallmark of an electric car.

Beyond that, the Engadget reporter who had a chance to drive the car was impressed with its illuminated charging port, backup camera, LED headlights and a millimeter wave radar sensor that enable its dynamic cruise control and pre-collision systems to do their magic. Check out the details in Engadget’s hands-on report.

SEE ALSO: Toyota Reveals Two New Prius Hybrids [PICS]

When the new Prius first appeared for test drives at Green Drive Expo (part of the Frankfurt Motor Show), technophiles were impressed with its interior gadgetry, but decried the vehicle’s sluggish handling and “numb” steering. But let’s keep in mind, this is more akin to a toaster than a Formula 1 sports car.

Want one anyway? The basic model will be $32,000, the “Advanced” model will be $39,525, and both will be available in 14 states six months from now. Toyota says the cars will be available in all other states in the U.S. in 2013, but wasn’t specific about exactly when in 2013 that would be.

For all of Toyota’s details, check out the company’s new Prius Plug-in site.

Prius Plug-In Hybrid

The electric plug "filler cap" is on the right rear, and the gas filler cap in on the opposite side.

Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Entune Plug-in Hybrid App

Left to right: Home screen, Charge Management (lets you monitor the charge of your battery and start charging via your smartphone), Remote A/C (allows you to monitor the temperature of the cabin and turn on the A/C before getting out to your car).

More About: Electric Car, Plug-in hybrid, Toyota Prius