Oct 13, 2016

priusToyota has always used its popular Prius model to show off some of its coolest features. The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime breaks the mold, again, with several impressive features. If you’re interested in buying a new hybrid car, check out these four fun facts about the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime. They may make you want to take a test drive as soon as the car arrives this fall.

Rooftop Solar Panels

Worried that your battery will run out of power during a longer-than-usual drive? As long as it’s a sunny day, you can set your cares aside. The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime has rooftop solar panels that charge the driving battery and 12V battery system. The solar roof will charge the batteries even while the Prius is parked.

Toyota hasn’t released many details about the new solar roof, but you can expect it to boost EV mileage, so you don’t have to burn as much gasoline during long drives.

A High-Tech Interior

Many of today’s vehicles have touchscreens that put drivers in control of infotainment systems. The new Prius Prime takes things to the next level with an 11.6-inch tablet. The tablet is mounted to the console like most other touchscreens. Its large size, however, will make it easier to use. The size could also make it safer to use. Instead of having to look closely at a small screen, you’ll be able to quickly glance at the tablet to see what button to push. The less time you spend looking at the touchscreen, the less likely you are to have an accident.

Remarkable Efficiency

The 2016 Toyota Prius gets 52 combined mpg (54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway). According to Toyota, the 2017 Prius Prime will get a whopping 120 mpg, making it one of the most efficient vehicles on the road. With a full tank and battery charge, you’ll be able to travel more than 600 miles in the Prius Prime without stopping.

Climate Control Won’t Drain Your Battery

Cold winters in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, force you to turn on your car’s heater. Unfortunately, most climate control systems use a lot of power, which limits how far you can drive before relying on a hybrid’s gas engine.

Many hybrid owners say that climate control quickly drains their batteries. Toyota has eliminated this issue by building a vapor-injected heat pump that uses very little energy. This advancement makes it possible for you to stay comfortable without reducing your hybrid’s range or polluting the air.

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime’s features make it one of the most advanced hybrid cars available to consumers. Unless you’re willing to spend over $50,000 on a luxury electric vehicle, you won’t find a car that offers this many fun features. Make sure you keep your eyes open for the first Prius Primes to arrive this fall. It will only take a few minutes behind the wheel for you to fall in love with this progressive car.

Image courtesy of Toyota.com