The Prius Plug-in Hybrid makes its production vehicle world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011. Toyota’s first Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) uses lithium-ion batteries to give an electric-only range of around 23km. Beyond that, it can be used as a full hybrid with all the capabilities of a Prius. And it can be fully recharged from a domestic source in just 1.5 hours.

This delivers fuel efficiency of just 2.2 litres/km, and CO2 emissions of only 49 g/km.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers three driving modes. HV mode delivers the same Hybrid Synergy Drive® experience as Prius. EV mode draws on the full battery for zero emissions electric-only driving, while EV-City mode permits greater use of the accelerator before the engine is started.

Several exterior details differentiate Prius Plug-in Hybrid, including an exclusive grille and bumper and silver accents. The interior boasts a new colour scheme with silver inserts and redesigned centre console. Loadspace is on a par with Prius, with under-floor space for the charging cable.

Finally, a range of touchscreen systems is available: Toyota Touch, with 6.1” touchscreen, rear camera and multimedia functions; Toyota Touch & Go Plus, which adds advanced satellite navigation and (via a compatible mobile phone) Google Local Search, SMS, email, and text-to-speech; and Toyota Touch Pro, with extra navigation options, hi-res 7” touchscreen, rear camera with dynamic guidance, and digital radio.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid goes on sale in early 2012.