Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid sales top Chevy Volt and Nissan LEAF numbers
About a month ago, Toyota started selling the Prius Plug-in Hybrid without much advertising – however, the power of the Prius-brand came through for Toyota and helped it surpass sales over the Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt.
In April (2012), Nissan sold only 370 units of the LEAF while Chevrolet sold 1,462 units of the Volt.
Toyota managed to top both by selling a total of 1,654 units of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
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Refresher: The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is powered by the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system used in the regular Prius – a 98-hp 1.8 liter 4-cylinder that runs on the Atkinson cycle and contributes to a maximum 134 total system horsepower. The system uses two electric motors, one 80-hp unit that works to power the transaxle, and another smaller motor that works as the electric power source for battery regeneration and as a starter for the gas engine. A newly 4.4 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack replaces the standard Prius’ nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery and fits under the rear cargo floor. Reaching full-charge takes 2.5 to 3.0 hours using a 120v household outlet or 1.5 hours using a 240v outlet. The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is estimated to average 87 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in combined driving and 49 MPG in hybrid mode. Prices start at $32,000.
– By: Omar Rana
Source: Plugin Cars