While all the hype as of late has been for the rapidly approaching Tesla Model 3 reveal on March 31, there are other happenings occurring in the electric vehicle world as well. Toyota will be unveiling the newest plug-in hybrid version of the Prius on March 23, for instance, which is rumored to possess an improved all-electric range.
Considering that the current Prius plug-in hybrid (PHEV) only possesses an all-electric range of 11 miles, an improvement wouldn’t be a difficult thing to deliver — but considering how reluctant Toyota has been to take electric vehicles seriously, who knows what we can expect.
The reveal will be taking place at the New York Auto Show, at 9:10 am EDT on Wednesday the 23rd, for those interested. A live-stream of the event can be accessed here.
A recent press release from the company hyping the reveal contained the words “put limits in the rearview,” which does seem to suggest that the range issues will be addressed in the new version.
GM Volt provides more:
Rumors have said the Prius with plug-port is “expected” to get 30-35 miles EV range this time around. Would that this could be true. In fact, we shall see whether that is correct or a lower US EPA estimate in the high teens or more-likely low-20s is the reality.
At this stage the EPA number may not even be announced and Toyota may only give its own estimate, but underlying the car again is the fourth-generation Prius, Toyota’s most fuel-efficient ever and sportiest handling too. That car gets 52 mpg in most trims, 56 mpg in an Eco tim, and the Prius plug-in has been said by Toyota to be shooting for the same target in charge sustaining (gas hybrid) mode.
Unique styling details to further set the two variants apart is also believed likely. So, without really saying much official about the new plug-in, Toyota is saying this is a vehicle that will make quite a splash.
Hyping the unveil, the recent press release stated: “The city that never sleeps is about to get a wake-up call.”
Well, maybe. If nothing else though, the event should serve as a nice warmup for the Tesla Model 3 unveil a week later.