The Toyota Prius has been a popular hybrid car since its launch in 1997. Sales have constantly increased and more than 3.3 million HSD-powered vehicles have been sold worldwide to this date. Therefore, Hybrid cars is not a new concept to the Japanese automaker.

What is new, is the 2012 Toyota Plug-In Prius Hybrid, that was recently presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In terms of technology, there is not much difference between the original Toyota Prius and the upcoming Prius Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). What is very impressive is that Toyota is closing the gap between hybrids and pure EV.

Capitol Toyota believes that the new 2012 Toyota Plug-In Prius Hybrid is a perfect choice for drivers that want to be eco-friendly by reducing fuel consumption and  CO2 emission, while getting longer all-electric driving range.

2012 Toyota Prius PHEV At a Glance

-    Larger Lithium-ion battery (compared to Toyota's standard hybrid formula)
-    Fuel Efficiency 49 MPG  - 87 (highway/urban)
-    Electric Driving Range: 15 miles (compares to 1-2 for Toyota's standard hybrid)
-    Recharge Time: ~ 1.5 hours, using a 240V outlet
-    0-62 MPG Acceleration Time: 10.7 Seconds

The new 2012 Toyota Prius PHEV, will first be available in 14 states (CA, OR, WA, AZ, ME, MA, VT, NH, RI, CT, NY, NJ, MD, VA) and Toyota will start taking orders for the new Hybrid this coming October. Deliveries will soon follow at the beginning of next year, with a starting MSRP of $32,760. Availability nationwide is planned for 2013.

But even if you don't live in one the launching states, you can still order a Prius PHEV as those are simply the states where drivers will find participating dealerships carrying the model, until the full roll out. And remember you can always browse our always-up-to-date new Toyota and used-car inventories online.

Stay tuned for more Toyota news.  Capitol Toyota, located at 2575 Mission Street SE, Salem, OR, is dedicated to keeping you informed.

Categories: Green, New Inventory