Toyota Prius PHV (ZVW35)

2012 Toyota Prius PHV

Like the Chevrolet Volt, the Toyota Prius PHV has a similar idea that goes "gasoline when you need it, electric when you want it". It served as Toyota's first gas-electric vehicle that you can either refuel it with petrol or recharge it at home. It maybe not in the same league as the Nissan Leaf but this Prius PHV is the ultimate eco-car for the masses.

If the Prius PHV runs on gasoline, it will take advantage of the 2ZR-FXE engine, that produces a normal 99PS of power with 142Nm of torque, capable of accumulating a fuel economy of 31.6km/L (74MPG) based on Japan's JC08 test cycle. If the driver switches from HV Mode to "EV Mode", only the 3JM electric motor kicks in as well as the new Lithium-ion Battery that is proven to be more useful than the conventional nickel metal hydride battery. Of course, the first Toyota hybrid to imply a lithium-ion battery was the 7-seater variant of the Toyota Prius Alpha MPV. The Prius PHV was the second Toyota to use that battery and who knows, in the future, most car companies are switching to Lithium-ion batteries because it is proven to be more useful and a better range for all.

Anyway, the 3JM electric motor produces 60kW of power and 207Nm of torque. Therefore, it will have a fuel economy of 61.0km/L (144MPG) based on Japan's JC08 test cycle with a top speed of 100kph (60mph). So, in Top Gear math, that's twice as efficient as the Chevrolet Volt or a Nissan Leaf, but again, they're not on the same league.

If you have a smartphone, you can keep in touch about what's happening to your Prius PHV via eConnect and Toyota Friend. First, the eConnect allows you to monitor the Prius PHV's charging status, find nearest charging stations, access ESPO, or even use the remote aircon to turn on or off the Prius PHV's aircon while you and the PHV are far away. The Toyota Friend gains access to the social network of Prius PHV owners.

When you say charging time, we say that the Prius PHV's Li-ion battery takes about 90 minutes of charge via AC200V, while it will go for about 180 minutes of full charge via AC100V.

There are eight colors available for the Prius PHV: Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Frosty Green Mica, Dark Blue Mica, and True Blue Mica Metallic.

My comment:
This is the first time Toyota come up with a car that is fully dependent on gasoline and electricity just like the Chevrolet Volt. The Prius PHV is the ultimate eco-car made for everyone who wants to buy an efficient vehicle in times of the current environment, economy, problems at the Middle East, and the relentless war on speed. Is there room for the PHV in the Philippines? No...Not yet...

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation