Toyota plug-in hybrid will save city travellers money
Always looking to improve, Toyota will soon be offering car consumers a Prius Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle. It looks almost the same as the standard Prius, but this model allows motorists to drive on electricity only.
But is the plug-in model worth the extra $3,000 to $5,000? For some, according to the Globe and Mail.
The paper says that consumers who will really benefit from the Prius' electric capability are urban travellers. Toyota Canada says one charge will allow a driver to travel approximately 20 kilometres. As the paper points out, that will cost homeowners an extra $150 to $200 in their annual electricity bill, but it will also lead to gas savings of about $1,900 a year. Toyota Canada says the Prius PHV gets 100 kilometres for every 1.75 litres pumped.
In short, the Globe and Mail says the PHV will eventually pay for itself for people who only do "short hops." Otherwise, the standard Toyota Prius is the way to go for hybrid shoppers.
Insurers may offer auto insurance savings to those insuring fuel-efficient cars, and policyholders may also be eligible for additional savings with limited travel.