Introduced to the American market in 2000, the Prius is the world’s most successful mass-produced hybrid. Since that time, the brand has launched two other versions – the Prius c and Prius v – but it wasn’t until now that the Prius has become arguably the best hybrid on the market. 2017 marks the year the Prius Prime hits showrooms around the country, ushering in a new era for the top-selling brand. If you’re looking to buy a hybrid in the next year or so, look no further than the 2017 Prius Prime.
Breakthrough Hybrid Technology
Although the Prius Prime is an attractive bundle aesthetically speaking, it’s what lies underneath that makes this hybrid truly unique. Using a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine coupled with an 8.8-kilowatt lithium-ion battery, the Prius Prime is the first plug-in hybrid that provides both a hybrid mode and a fully electric mode. What makes this system even more practical is that the Prime switches from electric mode to hybrid mode when you run out of charge, even if you’re in the middle of a drive. It’s truly an amazing system that outdistances any other car in its class.
Range and Fuel Economy
When fully charged, the Prius Prime goes up to 22 miles, making it easy to run errands or commute without burning a single drop of gasoline. If you need to travel farther, the Prime uses its innovative hybrid mode to go more than 600 miles on a single tank of gas, easily giving it a longer range than even the most efficient subcompact. According to the EPA, the car has a 120 mile per gallon equivalent, which more than doubles the regular Prius’ efficiency. Based on these numbers, Toyota estimates that on an average commute, you’ll save 246 gallons a year, drive in electric mode 93 percent of the time, and reduce harmful carbon emissions by 96 percent. It’s just another way you can drive the Prius Prime and feel great about saving the environment.
Charging Times
Official numbers from Toyota estimate the Prime becomes fully charged in just 5.5 hours on a standard 120-volt household outlet. However, you can cut this time in half when using a 240-volt adapter, which Toyota plans to include as an additional package. You can also get a 240-volt outlet at one of more than 20,000 charging stations located throughout the country. To put your mind at ease, Toyota promises a lifetime warranty on the battery, so you’ll never have to worry about your Prime’s electrical system falling victim to age.
Interior Goodies
Although hybrid vehicles tend to have a stripped-down interior compared to gasoline-powered models, the Prius Prime delivers all the goods. Some of these amenities include a heated steering wheel, an 11.6-inch multimedia display, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted controls, heated front seats, and a wireless charging station. With such amenities, the Prime is on par with almost every other hybrid on the market.
In 2017, don’t shop for a vehicle without exploring the Prius Prime. With all its economic benefits, features, and great looks, it’s poised to take the auto world by storm.
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