Toyota Demonstrates the Cost-Effectiveness of Plug-In Hybrids for Your Wallet!

Toyota proves with data that a plug-in hybrid vehicle user can drive more than 80% of the time in electric mode.

Last October, we presented the Toyota Electric Mobility Challenge. The manufacturer invited owners of Prius, Toyota C-HR, and RAV4 plug-in hybrids (PHEV) to maximize their electric-only trips for a month. This initiative aimed to demonstrate the real-world performance of plug-in hybrid technology.

Out of 475 participants registered, each traveled an average of 760 km in 100% electric mode, representing 81% of their total trip time and 67% of the kilometers traveled. Thanks to the hybrid system taking over when the battery was depleted, the average fuel consumption was just 2.75 l/100 km, with a total average of 1,130 km per vehicle.

The top 30 participants (10 for each model) were rewarded with a 500-euro voucher to use across the Toyota network. These drivers achieved an average of 794 km in electric mode over the month, accounting for 98% of their journeys. Their average fuel consumption was reduced to 0.16 l/100 km for a total of 810 km traveled — less than 3 euros in fuel over a month!

Toyota currently offers three plug-in hybrid models: the Prius, the C-HR, and the RAV4. With electric ranges reaching up to 111 km, 100 km, and 98 km respectively in urban WLTP cycles, these vehicles enable daily travel without emissions. The Predictive Efficient Drive system, available on the Prius and the new C-HR PHEV, further optimizes battery use through geolocation, adapting energy management to traffic conditions.

The Electric Mobility Challenge demonstrates the ability of plug-in hybrid vehicles to balance electric range with overall efficiency. One thing is certain—these PHEV users now know whether full electric is the best solution for their next vehicle, unless their heart is now 100%… hybrid!

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