The Prius is set to become the first Toyota to make the next big leap in fuel efficiency for 2012 by going plug-in with the new Prius PHV, or “plug-in hybrid vehicle.” And since 2012 is a long way off-in our impatient minds, at least we jumped at the chance to drive one of the 150 powder-blue preproduction Priuses bound for the U.S. in 2010. All are part of Toyota’s Prius Plug-In Hybrid pilot program that places these vehicles with various utilities and government agencies to gather data on vehicle performance.
The new batteries can be fully charged in three hours from a simple household 110 volt outlet or an hour and a half from a 220 volt plug. The battery swap allows for more miles on electricity alone and a commensurate boost in real-world fuel economy.