Toyota spills the beans on the Prius PHV

The day has finally come and let me tell you, we are beyond excited.  As an Elgin Toyota dealer, we cannot tell you how many people have come into the store asking for details about the production model of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, or the Prius PHV.  Mainly, they wanted to know how does it work, when is it coming, and how much does it cost. 

Understandably, they expected our sales staff to be able to tell them the answers to these basic questions, since we are, after all, an Elgin Toyota dealer.  Unfortunately, however, we were still waiting on these details from Toyota headquarters.  But finally, we have the answers!

How does it work?  The Prius PHV runs on both a hybrid synergy drive engine and a lithium ion battery.  This means the vehicle can run for up to 15 miles on purely electric energy.  From here, the hybrid engine kicks on and the Prius PHV runs just like the Prius 3^rd Generation we are used to driving.  In fact, the Prius PHV, once using its hybrid engine, earns nearly 50 miles to the gallon.  When using the lithium ion battery, this number jumps to an estimated 89 miles to the gallon.

When is it coming?  Toyota has promised the Prius PHV to hit the public market by March of next year.  Details on the number of Prius PHV to be manufactured in its first year have not been released.  However, we are extremely hopeful Toyota will produce enough Prius PHV vehicles to satisfy the market’s needs.  We have reason to believe Toyota will, since the need for public charging stations is not as crucial with the Prius PHV, as say they are with the Nissan LEAF.  Therefore, consumers from around the country can theoretically drive the Prius PHV.

How much does it cost?  Toyota has priced the base model of the Prius PHV at $32,000.  A high-end version of the Prius PHV will also be available for $39,525 at your local Toyota dealer.  Elgin consumers will also be happy to learn the vehicle is eligible for a $2,500 federal tax credit.

For more information on this exciting new vehicle, come visit us at Schaumburg Toyota, your leading Toyota dealer, Elgin to Chicago, today.