Toyota expands petrol electric Prius range

The Prius V (left and right) is for versatility, the Prius PHV is the plug-in and the Prius C is the budget version. Photo / Supplied

It's not clear when or if the three new models will come to New Zealand

The Prius V is based on the current Prius ... The Prius V (left and right) is for versatility, the Prius PHV is the plug-in and the Prius C (above) is the budget version.

Toyota used the Detroit motor show to announce its intention to expand the petrol-electric Prius range with three new models - a more spacious version, a plug-in variant and a smaller, cheaper example.

The Prius V (for versatility) is the roomier hybrid, the Prius PHV is the plug-in and the Prius C is the budget version. Prius V is expected to go on sale in the US later this year while Prius C and the plug-in hybrid will follow in the first half of 2012.

There is no word on whether the models will be available in New Zealand, although Toyota Australia has confirmed the Prius V is under consideration. The Prius PHV and Prius C could be some years away. Toyota in New Zealand and Australia are trialling plug-in hybrid prototypes in a study that ends next year.

The Prius PHV is Toyota's answer to the Chevrolet Volt and similarly runs on all-electric power until the batteries are depleted and a petrol engine - expected to be the same 1.8-litre petrol engine as the regular Prius - kicks in.

While the Volt has a claimed electric-only range of up to 56km, the plug-in Prius has a claimed range of only 30km. Toyota says it will be able to travel at speeds of up to 100km/h on electricity alone.

It will be the first Prius to adopt lithium-ion battery technology, which is more advanced than the current nickel metal hydride type.

In the US, the new compact battery can be fully charged in just 1.7 hours using a special 220 volt outlet and takes three hours using a regular 110 volt plug. Toyota says it can be given a short charge to extend the range at any time.

Toyota has 150 plug-in Prius models on trial in the US.

The Prius C was presented in Detroit as a concept car but is very much a production reality.

It is expected to challenge the Honda Insight (called the CR-X in the US), which recently undercut the Prius on price, although Toyota would not say if it would be cheaper than the Insight.

Toyota said the Prius C - which stands for city - would be the most fuel-efficient "cordless" or non plug-in on the market and will cost less than the regular Prius.

Toyota said it was aimed at compact car buyers interested in a vehicle with superior fuel economy at an entry price, especially young couples and singles with an interest in green driving. It is not yet clear whether it will run the same powertrain as the regular Prius or will have a smaller petrol engine, nor if it will run lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride batteries.

The Prius V is based on the current Prius and uses the same powertrain, but has been stretched and consequently offers 50 per cent more interior space. It has seating for five, a 60/40 folding rear seat that can slide back and forth, and a plastic panoramic sunroof with folding sunshades that is 40 per cent lighter than a glass equivalent.