What is it?The first plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s best-selling RAV4, the Prime looks to expand on the number of electrified compact sport-cutes Toyota Canada sells, which currently account for about a quarter of the 62,000 RAV4s the company hopes to sell this year.Why is it important?Toyota is changing the focus of all its hybrids, emphasizing the performance improvement of electrification as much as its environmental benefits. So, in marrying a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four with Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive, the new RAV4 Prime boasts 302 net horsepower, the most ever for the sport-cute. And, yes, it is more than the then-top-of-the-line 3.5-litre V6 Toyota offered in the RAV4 between 2006 and 2012.Those 302 horses also make the Prime quicker than any previous RAV4, its 5.8-second sprint to 96 kilometres an hour (60 mph) in true hot-rod territory. Hybrids are no longer just for fuel economy!Check Out All Our Auto Show CoverageNot that the Prime suffers in that arena. Thanks to the estimated 60 kilometres of electric-only range afforded by its huge-for-a-PHEV 17.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, the new RAV4 plug-in is rated for the electric equivalent of 2.6 litres per 100 kilometres. And, of course, thanks to the rear-mounted traction motor, the Prime offers Toyotas Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive system.On a more pedestrian front, even the SE version of the RAV4 Prime gets heated and power adjustable seats and an eight-inch Touchscreen while the top-of-the-line XSE gets the RAV4s first paddle shifters and 19-inch rims, the largest ever offered on a hybrid RAV4. When is it arriving?Summer of 2020.Should you buy it?Damn straight you should. Any time you can cut your fuel consumption as dramatically as this while increasing performance so substantially is a good day for any SUV owner. Factor in the convenience of plugging in at home and quick refuelling on the road, and the RAV4 would seem an optimal blend of traditional and electric technologies for what we hope will be a reasonable price.As the RAV4s press release boasts, welcome to a new chapter of Toyota SUV performance.LISTEN: What do car dealers think about electric vehicles? Are they keen to have them in their showrooms? We talk to Vancouver GM dealer Blair Upton about this and much more during this week’s episode of Plugged In. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV boasts 302 HP — yes, you read that right
PHEV
PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia
PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia The Octavia will be part of the Skoda iV plug in range Skoda has revealed its new Octavia, with the latest generation due to be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The popular hatchback and estate will be fitted with the VW Group’s latest PHEV set-up. This sees a 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine work with an electric motor for a combined power output of 204hp. The 75 kW electric motor is powered by a 13 kWh battery, which Skoda says is good for an electric-only range of 34 miles on a single charge. Performance and fuel economy specifications are yet to be announced, but the Octavia iV plug-in hybrid will join the forthcoming Skoda Superb iV PHEV and pure-electric Citigo-e in the electrified line-up. Because the Octavia sits on the same platform as the new Golf, there will be also hybrid and mild hybrid options coming down the line, alongside the range of conventional petrol and diesel units. No fuel economy figures are quoted yet for any powertrain, but manual and DSG transmissions will be on offer, with the a shift-by-wire DSG gearbox new to Skoda. Front- or four-wheel drive systems will be available. The interior features a significantly redesigned cabin, with a greater focus on technology. A new infotainment screen and steering wheel are the most obvious changes, though there are more subtle improvements too, such as the USB-C only sockets, wireless phone charging, and in-built connectivity. Head-up display, gesture control and a new voice control assistant – which Skoda calls Laura – are included on certain trim levels. It wouldn’t be a Skoda without some clever little ideas that make a difference to day-to-day life. For example, the rear seat pockets have a small pouch added to hold things like a mobile phone, without it dropping all the way to the bottom of the conventional pocket. There’s also an in-built funnel for refilling the screen wash, a storage pocket below the boot cover, and the addition of an umbrella and hand brush in the front doors. The new Octavia is a little longer than the outgoing models – around 2cm for both estate and hatch – and is slightly wider too. This frees up occupant space in what was a far from squashed interior in the previous model.
Origin: PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia
Volvo launches free electricity offer for UK PHEV buyers
Volvo is offering UK buyers of its plug-in hybrid models a year’s worth of free electricity, in a bid to encourage them to use their cars as efficiently as possible. The Take Charge offer, which was revealed at the unveiling of the XC40 Recharge EV last month, will be available to any UK buyer of one of the firm’s seven plug-in hybrid models between now and 30 June 2020. Volvo now offers an electrified version of every car in its line-up, with plug-in hybrid versions of the XC40, XC60, XC90 SUVs, the V60 and V90 estates and S60 and S90 saloons. All those models will now carry the new Recharge badge for electrified machines. The firm will record the total level of charge put into it over the course of a year using the Volvo On Call app, with Volvo then giving the customer a rebate based on the average price of electricity. Björn Annwall, Volvo’s commercial boss, said the scheme was designed to showcase that plug-in hybrids can be a sustainable stepping stone or alternative to full electric cars, and to fight the belief that many are bought for tax incentives and rarely plugged in to charge. “Plug-in hybrids can be very efficient if they are used in the right way,” said Annwall. “But if you just buy them for tax reasons and leave the cables in the boot it’s just a waste. “We wanted to make consumers more aware of the benefits, and this was something we could do to help all plug-in hybrid buyers. We think incentives can help, because they can put a spotlight on efficient energy usage. “The first year with a new car is when you set your habits with it, so if we put incentives then it will really make people think about how they use their cars, and show how they can change.” While Volvo’s plug-in hybrid models have previously carried Twin Engine branding, that will be phased out in favour of the new Recharge label, which will also be used for full-electric cars such as the new XC40 Recharge. Volvo has introduced an electrified version of every model in its range, and is aiming for plug-in hybrid cars to account for 20% of its sales next year. This is a key part of a major push towards electrification and reducing its average carbon emissions. The firm is aiming to be carbon neutral by
Origin: Volvo launches free electricity offer for UK PHEV buyers
Volvo PHEV buyers offered a years free charging
Volvo PHEV buyers offered a year’s free charging Twin Engine model buyers will get their charging reimbursed Volvo is offering customers a year’s free electricity to charge their car if they buy any of the Swedish manufacturer’s plug-in hybrid models. The deal is available to buyers of any of Volvo’s seven-strong PHEV line-up. These see PHEV powertrains available in the XC40, S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90, and XC90 ranges. Volvo’s aim is to encourage drivers to maximise their zero-tailpipe emission mileage with an incentive to off-set costs associated with charging their car. Customers will charge their car throughout the year, and Volvo will then reimburse them their associated costs at the end of the 12 month period. The amount repaid will be based on the average cost of electricity in the UK, and will be calculated by using the Volvo On Call app. This offers customers a number of features, but includes the ability to track how much power the car consumes. Since the majority of trips in the UK are well within a Volvo’s electric-only range, it is hoped that this added incentive will see fuel costs for a year significantly reduced for customers, while also reducing emissions produced on each journey. The offer is available to both private and business customers, with Volvo recognising that the best way to maximise a PHEV’s efficiency is to charge it as often as is reasonably possible. Since the focus is to improve driving and charging behaviour, for business customers, the refund will go to the driver rather than the company or fleet operator. Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “At Volvo, in keeping with our Swedish roots, we’ve always taken a keen interest in looking after the environment. Our recently stated ambition to become a carbon-neutral company by 2040 shows we are serious about addressing climate change. “It’s crucial that we help our plug-in hybrid customers understand how they can make the most of their car’s electric potential. So, by meeting their electricity charging costs for a year, we can encourage them to develop the good habit of regularly recharging their car’s battery, as well as saving them money at the same time.” Volvo offers plug-in hybrid options across its entire range, and is increasing the choice available to two PHEV models in some models. Hybrid options have recently been phased in, and a pure-electric XC40 is due soon as Volvo electrifies its fleet.
Origin: Volvo PHEV buyers offered a years free charging
Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV launched
Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV launched A range of 31 miles should be possible on electric power alone Citroen has revealed details of its C5 Aircross Hybrid – a new PHEV due from the French firm with a range of 31 miles on a charge. Using a 13.2 kWh battery and 80 kW motor, the plug-in Citroen combines the electric components with a 180hp petrol engine for a combined output of 225hp. Power goes through an eight-speed EAT automatic transmission. Citroen is making use of the ‘ë’ that should be included in its name as an indicator of electrified systems. As such, the ë-Comfort system has been launched – prioritising a comfortable ride with the added refinement that electric drive brings. Drive modes include electric-only, hybrid, and electric-save, and there are the usual brake energy recuperation systems fitted to help top up the charge en route. Efficiency figures come in at 39 g/km CO2 and a combined WLTP fuel economy of 166 MPG. Charging will take less than two hours on a fast charger at home or in public, with a 7.4 kW on-board charger fitted as standard. Charging is carried out via a Type 2 inlet. Citroen is making use of the shared platform and powertrain technology of the PSA Group. The C5 Aircross Hybrid joins similarly sized group stablemates in the shape of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid and Hybrid4, and Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4. Other PHEV models from the group include the Peugeot 508 Fastback and SW, and the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense. The group is in the middle of an electric model offensive, as pure-electric versions are due from the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Peugeot e-2008, and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense – plus pure-electric vans from the group’s brands. Pricing for the Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid starts at £35,340, with deliveries due in the middle of 2020. Registration of interest are open now.
Origin: Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV launched
New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options
New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options The new Golf features more tech and improved efficiency Volkswagen has launched its new Golf, the eighth generation of the best-selling hatchback. The new line-up will feature five electrified powertrains, though no pure-electric e-Golf, as VW promises a model bristling with tech. The reason for no e-Golf replacement is the launch of the ID.3. The EV kick-starts VW’s all-electric sub-brand, and is Golf sized itself. Having two models of a similar size, target market, and cost would be rather redundant. Instead, for the Golf, VW is pushing ahead with other forms of electrification. Three 48-volt will feature as VW launches the eTSI badge. This sees a beefed-up starter motor support a petrol unit producing either 110hp, 130hp, or 150hp. Efficiency is improved by around 10% claims VW, and responsiveness is improved. More crucially to VW’s electrified aspirations are the plug-in hybrid Golfs due. The Golf GTE badge returns, but as a sportier model – a true alternative to the famous Golf GTI. Producing 245hp, the Golf GTE is complemented by a cheaper, less powerful model, for those prioritising efficiency over sportiness. This ‘normal’ PHEV will produce 204hp, and both plug-in hybrid Golfs are backed by a 13 kWh battery, enabling an electric-only range of 37 miles on a single charge. The rest of the range is made up of conventional petrol and diesel engines, outputs ranging from 90hp to 150hp initially. No doubt there will be additional GTI, GTD, and R models further down the line. TGI natural gas will be made available in certain markets, though the UK is expected not to be one of them. Volkswagen is launching its We Connect and We Connect Plus functions on the Golf range, allowing it to be the first VW model to offer V2X connectivity. This vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity means traffic signals and information from vehicles up to 800 meters away are displayed to the driver. Benefits include improved efficiency, traffic flow, and safety warnings. The cabin is far more digital than before, and represents a significant step forward for the Golf – impressive considering the previous version wasn’t at all bad. Behind the steering wheel are three panels that focus on the driver. This incorporate lighting controls on the smallest panel closest to the door, a large and comprehensively customisable digital instrument display, and a new infotainment system. For automatic models, a small digital gear selector replaces the previously conventional stick, and the dashboard is far more stylish than the outgoing model’s efficient yet slightly dull affair. Particular attention has been made to making the digital controls easier to use on the move. With more than 35 million sales over the years, the Golf is expected to continue its huge success story. However, it will have greater competition than ever before, not least from VW itself with the ID.3.
Origin: New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options
Suzuki Waku: retro-styled PHEV concept set for Tokyo show
Suzuki will unveil the Waku SPO – a retro-styled plug-in hybrid concept featuring design elements that can be switched according to personal preference – at this year’s Tokyo motor show. The ultra-compact Waku SPO will be joined on the Japanese firm’s stand by an autonomous ‘mobile room’ concept called the Hanare. The two machines are designed to showcase Suzuki’s efforts in developing future technologies. Suzuki’s stand is themed around the concept of ‘Waku Waku’, a Japanese term that means excitement in English. The Waku SPO is described by Suzuki as an A-segment personal compact PHEV, intended for use by a family to “share fun and excitement”. Suzuki has not yet disclosed any technical details of the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The firm says the model features a ‘Waku Waku’ switch that can customise the car by allowing users to “switch its body shape, front mask and content shown on the dashboard”, so the car “can transform to meet each and everyone’s fun and excitement”. It is not clear how extensive the exterior changes to the car would be. A rendering released by Suzuki shows a small hatch with a long front bonnet and retro-styling somewhat similar to the Honda e. The Hanare – a Japanese term for a small dwelling built to the side of a home – is an autonomous pod-style vehicle designed for an “efficiency-centric future”. Suzuki says the machine would allow users to work or rest during long journeys, with the Hanare capable of being customised for different uses and to the requirements of different users. Suzuki has not yet revealed any powertrain details for the Hanare, but with heavy autonomous technology and the pod-like design, it is likely to be based around a full-electric
Origin: Suzuki Waku: retro-styled PHEV concept set for Tokyo show
New VW Golf to get two PHEV models
New VW Golf to get two PHEV models A performance GTE will sit above a standard Golf PHEV Volkswagen will offer the next generation Golf with two plug-in hybrid variants when it arrives next year. According to reports in Autocar, the Golf GTE name will remain, but will become a more powerful model. A new PHEV version will come in underneath the GTE, with similar power ratings as the current GTE. Frank Welsch, Volkswagen board member for research and development, told the publication that today’s Golf GTI has 238hp, so the Golf GTE should have the same, making the GTE truly part of the GTI/GTD/GTE performance range. Welsch went on to say that there are customers who are happy with the current performance levels of the GTE, so a new PHEV with similar power will be brought in. It’s worth remembering that there will be no replacement for the pure-electric e-Golf, as the similarly-sized new ID.3 hatch is due at a similar time to the eighth-generation Golf.
Origin: New VW Golf to get two PHEV models
Grandland X Hybrid4: Vauxhall’s first PHEV has Frankfurt debut
Vauxhall’s first full plug-in hybrid, the Grandland X Hybrid4, has appeared at the Frankfurt motor show alongside the new Corsa supermini. The electrified compact SUV is is now available to order in four trim levels, with prices starting from £35,590. Each is equipped with a 296bhp petrol-electric powertrain that entails significant benefit-in-kind tax savings for company car drivers. Entry-level Business Edition Nav Premium trim offers the most attractive financial incentive, representing a saving of £145 per month over the 1.5-litre diesel-powered Elite. Standard at this level are an intelligent speed limiter, blindspot monitoring, an electric parking brake, electric mirrors and a heated windscreen. The price rises to £40,300 for SRi Nav trim, which adds a DAB radio, front-mounted childseat fixings and automatic emergency braking. Elite Nav, at £42,200, and Ultimate Nav, at £45,450, round off the range with extra driver assistance systems and interior equipment. The compact SUV’s PSA Group-developed plug-in hybrid system features a 196bhp 1.6-litre Puretech petrol engine and two 108bhp electric motors powered by a 13.2kWh lithium ion battery. The front motor is integrated into an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the second motor at the rear giving all-wheel-drive on demand. The same system is being introduced in other PSA Group models based on the LMP2 platform, including the Citroën C5 Aircross, DS 7 Crossback, Peugeot 508, Peugeot 508 SW and Peugeot 3008. The Grandland X Hybrid4 is capable of 32 miles of electric-only running, and Vauxhall says it can be charged in less than two hours from a 7.4kWh home wallbox. It also features regenerative braking. It achieves 176.5mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.0sec and emits just 36g/km of CO2. Vauxhall will offer the SUV with its Free2Move Service, which will give access to 85,000 charging points across Europe, with a trip planner to find charging stations included within the sat-nav system. The Grandland X Hybrid4 also features the latest version of the the Vauxhall Connect telematics service. As part of the PSA Group’s wider electrification plans, Vauxhall will offer electrified versions of its entire product range by 2024, with plug-in hybrid powertrains for larger models and fully electric versions of smaller machines. It will launch an electric version of the new Corsa later this year and has confirmed fully electric versions of the next Mokka X small SUV, Vivaro van and Vivaro Life people carrier. While the Grandland X Hybrid4 is Vauxhall’s first mainstream hybrid model, from 2012-15 it sold the Ampera, which featured an electric motor with a back-up petrol engine to recharge the battery. The Ampera was later reworked into a full electric model, but this never came to the
Origin: Grandland X Hybrid4: Vauxhall’s first PHEV has Frankfurt debut
Kia adds new PHEV options to Ceed SW and XCeed
Kia adds new PHEV options to Ceed SW and XCeed Both estate and crossover will get a new Kia electric powertrain Kia has revealed two new plug-in hybrid models to join the company’s electric line-up – the Ceed Sportswagon and XCeed crossover. Both models will get a new powertrain, which features an 8.9 kWh battery, good for an electric-only range of around 37 miles on a charge. It powers a 44.5 kW electric motor, which works with a 1.6 litre petrol engine for a combined output of 139 bhp and 265 Nm of torque. In terms of performance, the Ceed Sportswagon covers 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds, while the XCeed takes 0.2 seconds longer. Both see power transferred to to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both models will be offered with a Towing Pack, which is unusual for plug-in vehicles, and will appeal to a number of buyers, and they get Kia’s seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty. According to the company, one in seven new Kia cars sold in Europe in the first half of 2019 was electrified, and the new models will only add to that number. The Ceed SW and XCeed plug-in hybrids will go on sale across Europe in early 2020, with a UK on-sale date and specifications due to be confirmed closer to launch.
Origin: Kia adds new PHEV options to Ceed SW and XCeed
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