A few months ago, Toyota introduced the fifth generation of its Prius, a rather surprising model with a strong aesthetic choice that is a global break from the previous Prius we’re used to seeing.

The ability to generate some enthusiasm around it, as well as the figures put forward by Toyota for the WLTP cycle-approved consumption of the plug-in hybrid version, should convince customers.

WLTP certification limitations for PHEVs

Indeed, even if, as we shall see, these figures do not necessarily reflect reality as with most plug-in hybrids, they speak well of the model’s efficiency.

Therefore, the Toyota Prius PHEV has been homologated for the combined cycle from 0.5 to 0.7 l/100 km, which is equivalent to a mileage of 200-142 km per liter of fuel. For its part, CO emissions₂ announced only from 11 to 16 g/km. Homologated power consumption ranges from 11.4 to 12.6 kWh/100 km.

These record values ​​are obviously only possible thanks to the WLTP homologation cycle, which tests consumption and emissions. with a charged battery from 70 to 85%, of course, in conditions close to real ones, but which do not necessarily take into account all parameters. If the customer does not charge the battery regularly, fuel consumption will logically increase dramatically.

The importance of a charged battery

In general, the way plug-in hybrid cars are approved has been a problem for several years. Even if the Toyota Prius PHEV is one of the best in the category with undoubtedly measured consumption, even with discharged batteries, this does not apply to other models, for example, such as Mercedes, with the GLC 300, one of the few diesel engines. in hybrids on the market, approved in the mixed cycle at 0.4 l/100 km and 10 to 11 g/km CO₂.

The German SUV takes advantage of its massive 31.2kWh battery, which gives it a range of 112 to 128km on the combined WLTP cycle, to reflect record consumption, but the battery still needs to be charged, in which case consumption will also skyrocket . especially for a PHEV SUV weighing more than two tons, whose aerodynamics are not necessarily optimal.

We remind you that the new Prius PHEV is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity of 152 hp, combined with an electric motor with a capacity of 163 hp. with a total power of 223 hp. The battery with a capacity of 13.6 kWh provides an electric range of 85 km in the WLTP cycle.