TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME

By Éric Descarries

The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a battery that enables it to drive for around 40 km in all-electric mode. Once its charge is used up, the battery hands over control to the combustion engine, which continues to operate in hybrid mode, with partial assistance from the electric motor. Let’s not forget that the Prius name was one of the first in service for electrified cars. While its accelerations are a little timid and take-off a little sluggish, the important thing is that fuel consumption is so reasonable that one forgets about a few minor discomforts, especially when it comes to the seats. During my time behind the wheel of this car, I averaged 4.7 L/100 km. But it’s important to remember that I drove it first thing in the morning, so its battery was full to start with (it was not recharged afterwards). This type of car sells for between $38,000 and $47,000, and may be subject to a certain government rebate depending on the province in which it was sold.