The Toyota Prius Plug-In is one of the most efficient PHEVs on the market, with a number of features that make it easy for drivers to keep fuel costs down. The Prius Plug-In is less famous than the conventional hybrid Prius, but with an official electric range of 39 miles, the PHEV version can operate for quite some time in electric-only mode. Toyota also offers the Prius Plug-In with a solar roof option, which is quoted as adding more than 400 free miles per year – even in UK weather.
Official NEDC Range
Toyota Prius Plug-InElectric only39 milesHybrid*825 miles
Hybrid*825 miles
Real-world Range
Toyota Prius Plug-InElectric only31 milesHybrid*660 miles
Hybrid*660 miles
* Combined range using both petrol and electric (from a single full charge)
How to charge a Toyota Prius Plug-In
The Toyota Prius Plug-In uses the Type 2 charging standard, which is used for all charging requirements. The Type 2 inlet is used when charging at home or at public slow and fast AC points. Like most PHEVs, the Prius Plug-In has no rapid charging capabilities. The Toyota Prius Plug-In’s Type 2 inlet is found on the off-side rear 3/4 panel where you would expect to find a petrol flap.
Toyota’s Prius Plug-In is able to be slow and fast charged from public points, depending on network and type of charge unit. In most cases, slow charging requires a 3-pin-to-Type 2 cable, and fast charging a Type 2-to-Type 2 cable, both of which are usually supplied with the vehicle.
| Type 2 – Slow & Fast |
|---|
 |
Charging requires the PHEV driver to plug the connectors into the correct inlet, after which the car then ‘talks’ to the charging unit to make sure there is a power supply, that there are no faults, and that it is safe to start charging. If charging at private home or workplace charge point, the vehicle then automatically starts charging.
On a public charger, an activation process is required to initiate charging. Depending on the network provider, this may require the use of an RFID card or smartphone app, often linked to an account which has been set up beforehand. Contactless pay-as-you-go units are also becoming more common on newer units. Once activated, the units will conduct further connection and account checks before starting to charge the vehicle.
How long does it take to charge a Toyota Prius Plug-In?
The following table shows approximate times to charge a Toyota Prius Plug-In. Times are for a 100% charge.
| Fast 22kW | Fast 7kW | Slow 3kW |
|---|---|---|
| 2:45 hours 0-100% | 2:45 hours 0-100% | 4:00 hours 0-100% |
The Toyota Prius Plug-In is fitted with a 3.3 kW on-board charger for AC charging. This means that even when connected to a fast charger with a rated output above 3.3 kW, the Toyota Prius Plug-In will only be able to charge at 3.3 kW.
Use Zap-Map’s Home Charging Calculator to estimate charging times for a Toyota Prius Plug-In. The level of battery charge, connector speed, and on-board charger options can be tailored to your requirements for more accurate results.
How much does it cost to charge a Toyota Prius Plug-In?
The table shown below shows estimates of the cost to charge the Toyota Prius Plug-In’s 8.8 kWh battery at home, on a domestic tariff. Cost estimates are dependent on the charge remaining, usable battery capacity, and age of battery pack. Cost per mile is calculated using an estimate of real-world range.
| Type | Cost/kWh | Cost to charge | Cost per mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Standard | 14 p/kWh | £1.25 | 3.9 p/mile |
Based on these figures, the Toyota Prius Plug-In’s fuel costs in electric mode are 4-5 p/mile based on real-world energy usage, the cost depending on the type of charging. In general, home charging provides the cheapest per mile cost and public rapid charging tends to be around double the cost. These fuel costs compare favourably with 12-15 p/mile for conventional petrol and diesel cars.
To find the cost and times to charge an EV on a public charge point, Zap-Map’s Public Charging Calculator calculates charging costs for any new or used plug-in vehicle. The results can be personalised for different electricity costs and the level of charge required.
Charging a Toyota Prius Plug-In at home
Charging at home is often the most convenient and cost effective way to recharge an EV. Government grants are available for the installation of home EV charge points, and a large number of companies offer a fully installed charge point for a fixed price.
Most home chargers are either rated at 3 kW or 7 kW. The higher powered wall-mounted units normally cost more than the slower 3 kW option, but halve the time required to fully charge an EV. Many plug-in car manufacturers have deals or partnerships with charge point suppliers, and in some cases provide a free home charge point as part of a new car purchase.
Charging a Toyota Prius Plug-In on public networks
The UK has a large number of public EV charging networks, with some offering national coverage and others only found in a specific region. Major charging networks include bp pulse, GeniePoint, GRIDSERVE, InstaVolt, Osprey, Pod Point and ubitricity.
Payment and access methods across networks vary, with some networks providing an RFID card and others a smartphone app to use their services. While most require an account to be set up before use, some rapid units with contactless PAYG card readers are starting to be installed.
Although some EV charge points are free to use, the majority of fast and rapid chargers require payment. Charging tariffs tend to comprise a flat connection fee, a cost per charging time (pence per hour) and/or a cost per energy consumed (pence per kWh). For more information about network tariffs, visit Zap-Map’s public charge point networks guides.