2014 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN TO START UNDER $30,000
- Base Prius Plug-in model MSRP reduced by $2,010 to $29,990
- Prius Plug-in Advanced model MSRP reduced by $4,620 to $34,905
TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 9, 2013 – It just got a little easier for drivers to maximize their fuel savings and be environmentally responsible. Toyota’s most advanced technology passenger car, the Prius Plug-in, will be available to customers at a substantially reduced price beginning with the 2014 model year. Toyota has reduced MSRP on the 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid by over $2,000, making the starting MSRP $29,990 (excluding DPH). This price repositioning on the base Prius Plug-in Hybrid is not accompanied by any reduction in vehicle content.
The 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is well-equipped (similar to a Prius Three), but adds these appealing features:
- Heated cloth front seats – a unique standard feature available only on Prius Plug-in
- Remote Climate – a feature that allows customers to activate their A/C remotely (standard on Prius Plug-in, available on Prius Three)
- Ability to drive extended distances in EV Mode, helping to increase fuel efficiency
- Unique 10-spoke alloy wheels
- 1 additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare, for a total of 3 year
Pricing for the 2014 Prius Plug-in Advanced model has also been adjusted to make the model more accessible to consumers with a $4,620 reduction in MSRP to $34,905 (excluding DPH). The Prius Plug-in Advanced will still offer popular features including:
- Premium HDD Navigation with Entune® App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL
- SofTex-trimmed heated front seats
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
- Head-Up Display
- Safety Connect
The 2014 Prius Plug-in Advanced will offer DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, PCS (Pre-Collision System), LED headlights and fog lights as part of an optional Technology Package for customers seeking the highest level of technology.
Production of the 2014 model year Prius Plug-in begins in October with pricing taking effect when these models arrive in showrooms in November. The Prius Plug-in qualifies for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $2,500 in addition to the State of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) which offers a $1,500 rebate.
The 2014 Prius Plug-in is also eligible for the State of California’s HOV lane sticker. The Prius Plug-in is available in 15 states (California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Hawaii).
Toyota Prius Plug-In Model Helping Propel Hybrid Cause
After six months on the market, the Prius Plug-in model has sold over 6,000 units. This sales figure represents sales momentum that has propelled the Prius Plug-in to a stronger first full six-months sales pace (6,061 units) than Chevrolet Volt Plug-in (2,745 units) and the all-electric Nissan Leaf (3,875 units).
The Prius Plug-in model combines the benefits of the standard 50 mpg-rated Prius Liftback with extended electric vehicle (EV) driving and more affordable pricing than pure electric or range-extender type vehicles. The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which offers seating for five, is EPA-rated at 95 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in EV Mode and 50 MPG estimate in hybrid mode. A newly developed 4.4 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack replaces the standard Prius model’s nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery and fits under the rear cargo floor, and the vehicle adds an easy-to-use external charging cable. A full charge using an external AC outlet takes approximately 2.5 to 3.0 hours using a 120v household outlet or 1.5 hours using a 240v charging station.
Buyer data shows that some consumers purchase a Prius Plug-in instead of a Chevy Volt or Nissan Leaf because of its fuel economy, how the Plug-in dispels range anxiety of pure electrics, and the value that the Prius Plug-in represents. Customers are especially keen on the Plug-in’s EV driving capability and high MPG hybrid mode alternative. The Prius Plug-in’s EV Mode range of up to 11 miles (EPA-rating) helps reduce trips to the gas pump by charging at home or the office.
Although individual results will vary, Prius Plug-in owners like Bay Area resident, Rich Stephens, have learned to appreciate the high efficiency of the Prius Plug-in’s blended fuel economy. Regarding his Prius Plug-in, Rich Stephens commented, “I commute 31 miles each way to work. I have put about 4,000 miles on my Prius Plug-in, equally split between gas and EV, and so far the average mileage shown on the computer is 136 MPG. With a full charge, my estimated EV range on the dash started at 12.9, dipped slowly to 11.3 as I was learning how best to drive, but has gone back up now to 12.5 miles and continues to climb. In the mornings, even when it is cool, I can drive more than 14 miles in EV mode on the freeway.”
Paul Kenyan of Massachusetts adds, “When I pre-ordered the Prius Plug-in, I was wondering (and hoping) if it would do my 15-mile commute in EV mode. To my pleasant surprise, I have found that I can do it with 2 – 2-1/2 miles of EV range to spare. Even with the A/C on, I make it home with a mile or more left. Of course, terrain, speed limits, climate and driving style have something to do with that.”
Mark Rickey, a Prius Plug-in owner in New York says his EV range helps him postpone the engagement of the gasoline engine during his commute and provides greater efficiency. “My commute in EV Mode is early in the morning with light traffic, so I am able to drive most of it at 35 mph, timingall the street lights to reduce stop and go,” he said. “My engine typically doesn’t engage until I am over the Verrazano Bridge. The system shows a 120 mpg blended average for my commute. I have put 2,500 miles on the car thus far, with an average fuel economy of 69 mpg, which is the result of blended operation that is about 30% EV and 70% hybrid.”
2013 TOYOTA FULL-LINE PRICING
***Prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include delivery, processing and handling fee which is $995 for large trucks (Sequoia/Land Cruiser/Tundra only) $845 for light trucks and $795 for passenger cars (as of 9/1/12)***
- 2013 Prius Plug-in $32,000
- 2013 Prius Plug-in Advanced $39,525
Toyota Confirms Prius Plug-In’s Eligibility for an Additional State of California Consumer Incentive and Its EPA Mileage Rating
As the 2012 Prius Plug-in models begin to arrive at dealerships, Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. announces that it has been approved for the State of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP).
Designed to promote the use of Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) and related clean vehicle technologies, the CVRP is a consumer incentive made available in addition to the $2,500 Federal Tax credit¹ offered for qualified vehicles. The 2012 Prius Plug-in also offers consumers eligibility for the State of California’s HOV lane sticker.
The CVRP program offers rebates to individuals, business owners, non-profit groups, and government entities that purchase or lease new eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Under this program, the Prius Plug-in is eligible for a $1,500 rebate that will be provided to consumers on a first come first-served basis. These grants are available when a vehicle is either purchased or leased for 36 months or longer. The CVRP is funded by the California Air Resources Board (ARB).
The first-ever Prius Plug-in Hybrid, combines the benefits of the third-generation Prius Liftback’s Hybrid Synergy Drive with a dedicated electric driving (EV) capability, in a package that is priced more competitively than most currently available plug-in hybrids or pure Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). The Prius Plug-injoins the Prius Family, which includes the third-generation Prius Liftback, the versatile new Prius v and the all-new subcompact Prius c, which will be available in March of 2012. The Prius Plug-in features a new Lithium-ion battery, which boosts its overall fuel economy and offers convenient charging times of only 2.5-3 hours using a standard 120V outlet or 1.5 hours using 240V.
While in EV Mode, the Prius Plug-in is rated by the EPA to drive up to 11 miles. It’s also capable of traveling up to 62 mph using electric power alone. During EV Mode driving, the Prius Plug-in is rated at 95MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). In hybrid mode, it has an EPA combined mileage rating of 50 mpg. This means that when the EV Mode is depleted, Prius Plug-in still obtains the same estimated high fuel economy rating as Prius Liftback. With its Lithium-ion power and extended electric vehicle mode, the Prius Plug-in is EPA-rated for a total driving range of 540 miles.
It will be available in two models, the Prius Plug-in and the Prius Plug-in Advanced. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid model comes equipped with an abundance of standard features including LED Daytime Running Lights, Smart Key on three doors, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™ with integrated backup camera, Touch Tracer Display, heated front seats, Remote Climate (A/C only), EV/ECO/POWER modes, unique15-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, enhanced Multi-information Display and much more.
The Prius Plug-in Advanced model adds additional standard features including Premium HDD Navigation with Entune™ and JBL® GreenEdge™, Plug-in Hybrid Applications through a user’s smartphone (Charge Management, Remote Climate, Vehicle Finder, Charging Station Map², and ECO Dashboard²), Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, LED headlamps with auto on/off feature and integrated fog lamps, SofTex-trimmed seating, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Safety Connect and more.
The base MSRP for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is $32,000. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid Advanced has an MSRP of $39,525. Both Prius Plug-in models are eligible for up to $4,000 worth of government-supported consumer incentives ($2,500 federal tax credit¹ and $1500 worth of the State of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program), in addition to offering eligibility for California’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane sticker.
At launch, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be available in the following 14 states: California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. A national rollout of Prius Plug-in is planned for 2013.
- Individual purchasers of a Prius Plug-in vehicle may be able to take advantage of the Federal Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle tax credit. The Prius Plug-in vehicle tax credit is confirmed to be $2,500. Individuals should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the specific amount of benefit, if any, that they may be able to claim on their federal income tax returns.
- Charging Station Map and ECO Dashboard Apps available summer 2012; all other apps available at launch.