Lift in Electric Range for New 2016 Toyota Prius PHV

KUALA LUMPUR: The plug-in version of the flagship model based on the third-gen Toyota Prius (XW30) wasn't able to put up a good show as it delivered a range of just 18 Km on all-electric mode. Once the electric-only range is consumed the engine switches to gasoline mode and for a hybrid variant a range of 18Km is not at all impressive.

Now, with the second-generation of Toyota Prius PHV, the electric-only range is rocketed up three times, as stated in the Green Car Reports. The new 2016 Toyota Prius PHV could now run around 48 to 56 Km on the electric-only mode, which is an incredible upgrade for any hybrid engine. The only hybrid car in the market, which comes with an unbelievable electric-only range of 61 Km is Chevrolet Volt.

It is reported that the second-gen Prius PHV will come to the market only after its conventional hybrid model is out, that is coming in few months. The production of ongoing Prius PHV has ended last month, probably due to decline in sales from 9,300 to 2,890 units in the first half of the year in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The boost in the electric-only range can certainly rocket up the sales chart for the Prius PHV.

Earlier this month, the pictures surfaced the Internet showing the first look of the fourth-gen Toyota Prius in conventional and plug-in hybrid models. Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system also depicted in those images, which is set to receive an upgrade too.

The all-new Toyota Prius has been seen testing on the roads of the US and Thailand indicating that its global release is not too far away. It is also rumoured to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year in October.