2022 Toyota Prius PHV with cruising range of 1,030km with engine…Announced in the US

(Photo: Response)

On December 10, Toyota's US division announced the 2022 model of "Prius Prime" (Japanese name: equivalent to "Prius PHV"). Photo: Toyota Prius Prime (Prius PHV) 2022 model EV mode cruising range is up to 40km The PHV powertrain of the current model is a 1.8-liter in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine. In the case of US specifications, it generates a maximum output of 98ps/5200rpm and a maximum torque of 14.5kgm/3600rpm. Two motors are installed, one with a maximum output of 72ps and a maximum torque of 16.6kgm, and the other with a maximum output of 31ps and a maximum torque of 4.1kgm. A one-way clutch was adopted between the engine and the power split mechanism. A dual motor drive system that uses the motor that was used only as a generator in the conventional hybrid system also as a driving motor. Combined with the conventional driving motor, it is possible to drive with two motors, realizing powerful driving in EV mode and expanding the motor driving range in daily use. As a result, the PHV's unique performance has evolved, such as extending the cruising range in EV mode and improving the power consumption rate. In addition, by reducing the size and weight and increasing the capacity of the lithium-ion secondary battery, it has achieved a maximum cruising range of 40 km in EV mode. The maximum speed in EV mode is 135km/h. The 2022 model's US EPA equivalent fuel efficiency (applicable to electric powertrain vehicles such as PHVs and EVs) is 133MPGe (approximately 56km/liter). The cruising range in both EV mode and engine is up to 1030km. Toyota Motor Sales in the United States claims that even the longest cruising EV needs to stop charging to run more than 1000km, but the Prius Prime is proud to continue running. The 11.6-inch vertical HD multimedia display Prius Prime can be connected to a household outlet using the included cable. Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge the battery using a standard 120V outlet. If it is a 240V outlet, it can be charged in about 2 hours. The instrument panel is equipped with a dual 4.2-inch full-color multi-information display, and the driver can change menus with switches on the steering wheel. Customizable screens include an energy monitor, hybrid system, climate control indicator and 'eco features' (Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor and Eco Day). Other screens display driver support systems, audio system content and navigation system content. The "XLE" grade will have an 11.6-inch vertical HD multimedia display. The high-definition multimedia display can be manipulated like a tablet with pinch and zoom functions. Capacitive touch switches are located on both sides of the screen for easy access to key functions. The console's charging pad can be used to wirelessly charge smartphones that comply with the Qi standard. Color head-up display shows PHV system status, etc. The "Limited" grade is equipped with a color head-up display (HUD). By projecting important information on the lower part of the windshield, the driver can concentrate on driving. The HUD display shows the speedometer, hybrid battery charge, hybrid system indicator, navigation, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) "Toyota Safety Sense 2.0" status, and more. The Limited comes with three years of complimentary Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and SafetyConnect, which includes Emergency Assist, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Automatic Collision Notification. The base grade "LE" comes standard with Toyota Premium Audio, which is compatible with the navigation system and Apple "CarPlay", Google "Android Auto", and Amazon's "Alexa". The multimedia system comes with a 7.0-inch high-definition touchscreen with split-screen capability.

Response Minoru Moriwaki