Frequently Asked Questions

You should never drive Prius Prime without gasoline in the tank. While you may drive on electricity alone, the vehicle always requires gasoline to operate properly.

No, but it is generally advantageous to keep it charged. The more often you keep Prius Prime fully charged (at home, work or anywhere with a public charging station), the greater your gasoline fuel savings will be.

Prius Prime uses a series parallel hybrid system, which means it can drive the wheels using both electric motors and/or its gas engine. If the battery is fully charged, Prius Prime runs on the electric motors only. When the battery runs out, it operates like a hybrid vehicle, using both the gas engine and electric motors to drive the car as they are needed and available.

Prius Prime's battery can be charged in approximately 11 hours by plugging the included charging cable into a standard household outlet. When using a public charging station (240V), Prius Prime can be fully charged in approximately 4 hours.

The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) is similar to common hybrid vehicles, but has an all-electric driving range, larger battery and more powerful electric motors for greater horsepower than common hybrid vehicles.

Prius Prime works similarly to a standard Prius, but with an increased all-electric mode driving range, more powerful electric motors and enhanced fuel efficiency.

No, but it is generally advantageous to keep it charged. The more often you keep Prius Prime fully charged (at home, work or anywhere with a public charging station), the greater your gasoline fuel savings will be.

Prius Prime's battery can be charged in approximately 11 hours by plugging the included charging cable into a standard household outlet. When using a public charging station (240V), Prius Prime can be fully charged in approximately 4 hours.

The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.

Prius Prime must be plugged in to fully recharge the battery. The vehicle can also partially charge itself with onboard charging, as well as with a regenerative braking system that works during deceleration. When braking, it uses kinetic energy from the front wheels to produce electricity that partially recharges the battery and helps extend your range.

Even when the battery charge is empty, Prius Prime will continue operating in hybrid mode as long as there is enough fuel in the gas tank, so you don’t have to worry about running out of the battery power while on a longer trip.

No special charging equipment is required for Prius Prime. Prius Prime comes with a standard-outlet charging cable.

You can easily charge Prius Prime’s battery by plugging its included charging cable into a standard electrical outlet at home. Prius Prime is also compatible with a Level 2 charger. No additional charging equipment is needed.

To maximize your savings and minimize your emissions, you should charge as often as possible to enjoy the most electric drive miles. If the charge does run out, Prius Prime has a gasoline hybrid system, so you can leave range anxiety behind and start looking ahead.

Standard 15-amp GFCI outlets are usually 120V, while charging stations feature 240V charging that typically charges about twice as fast as a 120V standard 15-amp outlet. If you want faster charging at home, a licensed electrician can install a 240V charger to help decrease charge times and increase convenience.

Easily find nearby charging stations with the available Charging Station Map located on the multimedia display with a required active Drive Connect trial or subscription. Plugging in on the go has never been easier. For more information, please visit our charging map.

Prius Prime uses 3.5 kWh to charge, which is roughly equivalent to powering a small, residential air-conditioning unit. Using the included charging cable requires much less power.

Prius Prime uses the industry standard J1772 for charging. Fully compliant equipment should work with Prius Prime. The included charging cable maximizes the compatibility.

The charge inlet door is located on the passenger rear quarter panel. Use the supplied charging cable by plugging it into a standard household outlet as often as possible to help maximize your miles.

Even when the battery charge is empty, Prius Prime will continue operating in hybrid mode as long as there is enough fuel in the gas tank, so you don’t have to worry about running out of the battery power while on a longer trip.

You should never drive Prius Prime without gasoline in the tank. While you may drive on electricity alone, the vehicle always requires gasoline to operate properly.

This helps compare the mileage of driving in all-electric mode to the commonly used mpg figure for gas vehicles. Prius Prime has an EPA-estimated rating of up to 127 MPGe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the mpg equivalent (MPGe) figure to convert the measurement of power used by plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and others not powered by liquid fuels into something that resembles the more familiar mpg rating.

When fully charged, Prius Prime is rated for an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range of up to 44 miles before converting to Hybrid Vehicle (HV) Mode. Prius Prime will then continue in Hybrid Vehicle (HV) Mode until the battery is recharged.

Yes. In general, Prius Prime’s performance will be affected just like a gas-powered vehicle. Extra cabin heating and other factors will use up electricity that could be used for driving, reducing all-electric driving range. However, an electric heater has been installed inside the battery pack to boost battery temperature. This enhances mileage and drivability in cold temperatures and reduces engine startup during all-electric driving. And don’t worry, if your battery ever runs low, Prius Prime will seamlessly shift into hybrid mode to keep you going.

The electric motors of Prius Prime deliver a smoother start than a gas engine. Prius Prime performance is also boosted by Toyota’s dual motor drive system, delivering fun-to-drive acceleration that is smooth from the start and while driving at highway speeds.

Prius Prime works similarly to a standard Prius, but has an all-electric driving range, larger battery and more powerful electric motors for greater horsepower than Prius.

Prius Prime can help reduce total vehicle emissions by using electricity to decrease gasoline consumption. Depending on the cost of electricity, it can also cost less per mile to drive on electricity versus gasoline. All of this helps makes Prius Prime good for you and good for all.

A 13.6-kWh battery pack is thoughtfully placed in the rear of the vehicle. The battery has been optimized for daily commutes, providing more interior room for your rear passengers and an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range of up to 44 miles.

Prius Prime's hybrid engine is engineered for efficiency. The 2.0L Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine has an EPA-estimated rating of up to a 52 mpg combined.

Prius Prime employs a variety of smart features to help maximize your efficiency. The top-mount Multi-Information Display above the steering wheel provides interactive feedback on your trip via steering wheel controls, real-time driving data and an Eco Score that provides tips to help enhance your efficiency. Click here to see all of Prius Prime’s smart, efficient features.

Prius Prime includes dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligence). This includes VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligence by Electric motor) on the intake side and VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligence) on the exhaust side. This is adopted to enhance output and fuel efficiency and provide cleaner emissions.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy as of September 1, 2022, plug-in hybrids can save over 5,000 lbs. of CO2 equivalent per year compared to gas-powered vehicles. For more information, please visit USA Facts

Prius Prime holds up to 10.6 gallons of gas.

Yes. In general, Prius Prime’s performance will be affected just like a gas-powered vehicle. Extra cabin heating and other factors will use up electricity that could be used for driving, reducing all-electric driving range. However, an electric heater has been installed inside the battery pack to boost battery temperature. This enhances EV mileage and drivability in cold temperatures and reduces engine startup during all-electric driving. And don’t worry, if your battery ever runs low, Prius Prime will seamlessly shift into hybrid mode to keep you going.

All-electric driving helps maximize fuel efficiency and contributes to an EPA-estimated rating of up to 127 MPGe.

Taking care of your Prius Prime is key to both safety and dependability. That's why we include ToyotaCare, our no cost maintenance plan, with the purchase or lease of every new Toyota for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. 24-hour Roadside Assistance is also included for 3 years, regardless of mileage.

Individual purchasers of a Prius Prime may be able to take advantage of tax credits and other incentives. To see if incentives may apply, please visit our full list of incentives.

The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.

Prius Prime’s battery is virtually maintenance-free; however, it does require periodic inspections to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible.

Yes. As you get within three feet of your Prime, with the Smart Key fob in your pocket or purse, the interior lights will automatically illuminate, the driver's door can be unlocked with just a touch, and the vehicle can be started with a push of a button.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy as of September 1, 2022, plug-in hybrids can save over 5,000 lbs. of CO2 equivalent per year compared to gas-powered vehicles. For more information, please visit here

Prius Prime's available 12.3-in. multimedia display features a host of entertainment and streaming services. Intuitive pinch, zoom, tap and swipe gestures create a familiar smartphone-like experience while giving you easy access to the features that matter most. Get turn-by-turn directions, a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription  and Bluetooth® wireless technology. 

Intended for highway use, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph and uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. If you don’t react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.

Prius Prime offers remarkable versatility when it comes to cargo space. Lift the rear hatch to access 20.3 cu. ft. of cargo space.

This driver-assistance feature helps ease the burden of stressful stop-and-go traffic by providing control of vehicle braking and acceleration, and hands-free steering control at speeds under 25 mph. This system is designed for limited-access roadways, and with the driver monitor camera confirming the driver's eyes are on the road, hands-free operation is possible. Traffic Jam Assist requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription.