It looks mostly indistinguishable from the base Prius Hybrid with the exception of some special badging, 123lbs of extra girth and some nifty gauges in the interior.
Where it does stand out is it's ability to drive longer distances in pure electric mode. There is a new 4.4 kWh Lithium Ion battery replacing the older NiMH one which boosts it's range from a paltry 2km of electric only driving to a larger 24.1 kms.
The range isn't staggering and falls short of the Chevy Volt (50-65) as far as driving in EV mode only. Where it is superior to the Volt is when the battery is depleted and the car reverts seamlessly back to regular hybrid mode, albeit with a 49MPG as opposed to 50MPG in the regular Prius. The Volt only manged mid 30 range MPG when its battery is sapped.
Charging from a 120v power source will have the Plug-In Prius to a full charge in roughly 2.5-3 hours time. On 240v it will only take about 1.5 hours.
As far as the ratings go for fuel economy, the new Plug-In Prius is expected to be rated at the ridiculous (see- MPGe is idiotic) 87 MPGe while traveling on electric power only.
Interior volume stays the same as some ingenuity was used in the packaging to ensure the car is just as roomy as the base Prius hatchback. Aluminium was used in various parts of the car to reduce the cars weight to get it as low as possible and still be affordable.
The Plug-In Prius slips air the same way Sugar Ray Leonard slipped punches with a 0.25Cd, this is one sleek car.
The 1.8 litre Atkinson cycle engine has 134HP and is a ATPZEV rated vehicle.
It shouldn't be long before this vehicle is available as 2012 model year is fast approaching.
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