MotorMouths

The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is a welcome addition to the Prius family, one that increases the potential of what a hybrid can offer us. Quite simply, it uses even less gas. Now that’s the kind of car we’re all looking for a few more of.

The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in vastly improves the flexibility and potential economy of the standard Prius formula with the simple addition of a power cable and larger, more efficient battery pack.

The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid adds high-capacity battery power to the Prius’ traditional benefits, yielding increased range and fuel efficiency.

The Prius plug-in has a limited market in mind. You either need to want the latest in Prius tech, or be willing to pay $8,000 to use the HOV lanes for a few years.

The Prius was designed primarily for efficient motoring. That economy-above-all-else mindset results in a car that compromises performance, handling, and comfort at the altar of fuel economy. But if you really want one, go with the traditional Prius and skip the Plug-in.

It’s hard to give a verdict on the Prius PHV besides a conditional “sure, but how much does it cost?” Until Toyota decides to offer these to the general public, and figures out what the mark-up will be, the PHV is little more than interesting dinner conversation.

The plug-in Toyota Prius goes much farther and faster on electricity alone, but remains a Prius in every other respect.

The Toyota Prius Plug-in is an experiment, and for many people living in cities, a stretch of the imagination to work properly. But if Toyota can build enough of them, the company’s staunchly conservative culture could see it lead yet another niche.