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Plug-in 2012 Toyota Prius models set to hit in March or April

One key component that the Toyota Prius has not had that has given competitors like the Chevrolet Volt an advantage is the ability to charge the hybrid system by plugging the car in but when the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid hits the US market in the early spring of 2012, that will all change.
Plug-in 2012 Toyota Prius

Thanks to a dealership email posted by a member of PriusChat.com, we have a few new details on the upcoming 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. This new plug-in capability will allow 2012 Prius drivers a greater electric range which the Japanese automaker claims could allow owners to travel up to 475 miles between fill-ups. Also, Toyota only recommends a basic 120V house socket to charge the Plug-In Prius although the Toyota website points out that it is also compatible with a 240V charging connection for those who don’t mind the extra expense.

First of all, the plug-in Prius is expected to hit the US streets in March or April of 2012 – although that is stated as being a tentative date. There has been no word on how the production of the Plug-In Prius was affected by the Japanese disasters earlier this year but with Toyota being hit hard as a company, there are variables that could push that date back. However, some lucky buyers who pre-order could be getting into their super-efficient Prius as soon as March 2012. The first markets to get these new models will include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington; while the rest of the country will get their chance at the plug-in models sometime in 2013.

While no detail was offered, we learned from this dealership email that the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In will be offered in five colors. The current Prius is offered in seven colors, so the plug-in models will curiously get fewer exterior color options. There will also be two trimlines offered at launch in 2012, likely with one model being a pure minimalistic mpg machine while the other packs some of the high tech amenities like HID headlights, fog lights, a better stereo system, etc.

For more information on the upcoming 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, click here to check out the official company website.

Source: PriusChat

Thanks to Big Max for the heads up!

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