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The Prius gets a glow-up, but it’s still just a hybrid

Summary

The article is about the redesign of the Toyota Prius. The Prius has been redesigned to be more attractive, with a sportier coupe-like look. The redesign follows the "monoform silhouette" design introduced in the second-generation Prius. The new Prius also uses the automaker's second-generation TNGA platform that's lighter and shares parts with other Toyota vehicles. The plug-in version comes with a 2.0-liter engine, has a power output of 166kW, and can achieve a 0–62 mph acceleration in 6.7 seconds. When driving all-electric, the new plug-in Prius achieves about 50 percent higher range than the previous model. Toyota plans to release North American version details soon. Toyota has had a tough time getting real fully electric vehicles off the ground, though. Last month, it said it’s going back to the drawing board on its e-TNGA flexible EV platform after releasing a mediocre at best bZ4X EV that became subject to a major recall to keep its wheels attached. So while Toyota looks to sort all that out for next year, it decided to continue doing what it does best: make more hybrids. Environmentalists are less than thrilled. Beyond Toyota’s disappointing EV track record, the Prius is getting some interesting features. There are cameras at the front and rear of the car, a digital rear-view mirror, and a built-in recorder as well (though Toyota says it records to the internal computer and won't have a removable SD card). And like Toyota’s bZ4X EV, there are solar panels present on the new Prius plug-in. It can charge the main drive battery while stationary and the accessory battery while in motion. You can also use the Prius as a portable battery pack with 100-volt AC power plugs in the rear center console and in the cargo area. It can take a load of up to 1,500W solely on the battery, or you can switch it to hybrid to generate electricity using the gas engine. Toyota even supplies a window jam accessory that lets you run a power cord into the cabin and still keep the car secured from the elements.

Q&As

What is the purpose of the redesign for the 2023 Toyota Prius?
The purpose of the redesign for the 2023 Toyota Prius is to make it more attractive.

What design elements are new in the 2023 Toyota Prius?
The design elements that are new in the 2023 Toyota Prius include a sportier coupe-like look, lighter TNGA platform, and built-in recorder.

What are the powertrain options for the 2023 Toyota Prius?
The powertrain options for the 2023 Toyota Prius include a 1.8 / 2.0-liter combustion engine on the hybrid-only system and a 2.0-liter engine on the plug-in hybrid system.

How do solar panels factor into the 2023 Toyota Prius?
Solar panels are used on the 2023 Toyota Prius to charge the main drive battery while stationary and the accessory battery while in motion.

What is Toyota's current stance on electric vehicles?
Toyota's current stance on electric vehicles is that they are working on a new platform after the bZ4X EV was subject to a major recall.

AI Comments

👍 The Prius gets a much needed redesign and will be more appealing to buyers.

👎 The Prius is still just a hybrid and not a fully electric vehicle which is what many buyers are now looking for.

AI Discussion

Me: The article is about Toyota's new Prius.

Friend: Oh, I saw that it got a redesign. I didn't know it was that different.

Me: Yeah, it's a lot different. Toyota is finally making a Prius that's easier on the eyes.

Friend: I'm not sure I like it. I liked the old one better.

Me: I think it looks better, too. But environmentalists aren't thrilled.

Friend: Yeah, I can see why. The Prius has always been the ugly duckling of the eco-car market.

Action items

Technical terms

Hybrid
A vehicle that uses two or more different power sources to move.
Electric vehicle (EV)
A vehicle that is powered by an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine.
Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)
Toyota's platform that underpins many of its vehicles. It is lighter and shares parts with other Toyota vehicles.
Plug-in hybrid
A hybrid vehicle with a larger battery that can be plugged into an outlet to recharge, allowing it to run on electric power for a longer distance.
0-62 mph
A measure of a vehicle's acceleration. The lower the number, the faster the vehicle can accelerate.
Solar panel
A panel that converts sunlight into electricity.
Portable battery pack
A battery that can be used to power electronic devices.
Window jam
A device that allows you to keep a window open while keeping the car secure.

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