Toyota Prius 2023 is now available with PHEV powertrain in Japan – 223 PS, EV range up to 105 km; from RM151k

After launching Fifth generation Toyota Prius in Japan with two hybrid powertrains in January of this year, the Japanese automaker is following suit by introducing a plug-in hybrid variant to the lineup. Priced at 4.6 million yen (RM150,758), Prius PHEV will only be available in a single Z type when it goes on sale on March 15, 2023.

In a nutshell, the Prius with Toyota’s Series Parallel Hybrid System (HEV) comes in 2.0 and 1.8 liter versions. The former has the M20A-FXS naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 152 PS (150 hp or 112 kW) and 188 Nm of torque.

This is enhanced by a 1VM front electric motor rated at 113 PS (111 hp or 83 kW) and 206 Nm, contributing to a total system output of 196 PS (193 hp or 144 kW). . With the optional E-Four all-wheel drive system, a second electric motor called the 1WM with 41 PS (40 hp or 30 kW) and 84 Nm is added, bringing the system’s output to 199 PS. (196 hp or 146 kW).

Meanwhile, the 1.8 option is based on the 2ZR-FXE NA four-cylinder engine that makes 98 PS (97 hp or 72 kW) and 142 Nm. The 1VM electric motor generates less power in this configuration, delivering 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 185 Nm for a total system output of 140 PS (138 hp or 103 kW). ) – this is the same number you get with this configuration. optional E-Four AWD system and 1WM electric motor. Both hybrid powertrains use the same lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 4.08 Ah.

PHEVs are more powerful than standard hybrids thanks to an upgraded 1VM electric motor delivering 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 208 Nm of torque. This is paired with the same M20A-FXS, albeit slightly modified so it produces 151 PS (149 hp) or 111 kW) and 188 Nm.

The result is a total system output of 223 PS (220 hp or 164 kW), even though the PHEV is purely a front-wheel drive product. All Prius variants come standard with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

In terms of electric-only range, the Prius PHEV’s battery with an energy capacity of 13.6 kWh (51 Ah) will provide a range of up to 87 km with 19-inch wheels or 105 km with 17-inch wheels. Wheel size also affects fuel efficiency, with the larger set delivering 26 km/l, while that’s 30.1 km/l with 17-inch wheels. With an AC input of 200 volts and 16 amps (3.2 kW), a full charge takes 4.5 hours, Toyota claims.

The Prius PHEV is also equipped with a solar charging system that is said to provide enough power to drive up to 1,250 km per year. The electrical energy generated from the solar panel is used to charge the driver’s battery when parked, with the system supplying not only power to the driver, but also the air conditioning and other functions. The system also provides an auxiliary battery system while driving to reduce the driver’s battery consumption.

Another benefit of the plug-in hybrid powertrain is its ability to act as an external power source, delivering up to 1,500 watts (1.5 kW) at 100 volts AC to the accessories. An external power supply accessory is supplied as standard, so this feature can be used with the windows closed to prevent rain and insects from entering the vehicle during use.

At 4.6 million yen (RM150,758), the Prius PHEV is the most expensive variant that will go on sale. The Z variant with 2.0-litre hybrid system and E-Four AWD sells for 3.92 million yen (RM128,605), with the cheapest variant that can be bought outright being the G-type with the same 2.0-litre hybrid system and 2WD. for 3.2 million yen (RM105,013).

The entry-level Prius is the U that comes with a 1.8-litre hybrid system, although this is offered through Toyota’s Kinto subscription service – 16,610 yen (RM545) per month for 2WD and 18,480 yen (RM606). ) per month for E-Four AWD.