Toyota Prius Plug-In Takes 2017 World Green Car Title
The Toyota Prius Plug-in has been declared the 2017 World Green Car, a second consecutive success for Toyota which also took the 2016 title with the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell saloon.
Jack Hollis, Group Vice President of the Toyota Division in the USA, accepted the award at the New York International Auto Show yesterday (12 April). He said: “It is a great honour to see Prius Prime (as Prius Plug-in is known in North America) named World Green Car. For global automakers like Toyota, this award is a testament to our focus on developing products that both stir the emotions and meet the mobility needs of our customers in all corners of the world.”
Prius Plug-in was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 new models from around the world. The award was determined on criteria including tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption and advanced powertrain technology aimed at increasing the vehicle’s environmental performance.
Launched in the UK in March this year, the all-new Prius Plug-in represents a significant leap forward in Toyota’s plug-in hybrid technology. Compared to the first generation model, new Prius Plug-in can cover double the distance – more than 30 miles – and achieve much higher speeds in all-electric, emissions-free driving. It benefits from a number of new technologies that increase efficiency, performance and practicality, significantly enhancing the model’s all-round appeal. Its technological breakthroughs include a Dual Motor EV drive system and a Battery Warming system, plus two world firsts: an EV range-extending solar roof and gas-injection heat pump air conditioning.
It is built on the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform as the standard, full hybrid Prius, which, combined with specifically tuned suspension, delivers much-improved handling dynamics and a more enjoyable and rewarding drive.
