priiThe Toyota Prius is in its third generation and is by far the best selling gas-electric hybrid in the world. With more than 1 million models sold since its 1997 debut, Toyota is expanding the Prius line by bringing out additional body styles and models. The automaker has even coined the phrase “Prii” to describe the Prius in plural, a marketing scheme that is at once serious as it is whimsical.

The Prius as it is currently sold is a five-passenger, four-door hatchback with an EPA rating of 51 MPG city, 48 MPG highway. This model uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which allows it to operate in electric-only mode around town or while cruising on the highway.

Prius Family

Beginning this fall, the first of three additional Prius family vehicles will hit the market. All three, plus a possible fourth model, may eventually help the Prius become Toyota’s best-selling model, supplanting the midsize Camry and compact Corolla, while delivering the fuel economy customers want.<

Prius V—Sliding and reclining rear seating and a wagon-like body style will give the 2012 Prius V 50 percent more cargo room than the standard Prius, a feature that likely will appeal to people who want a family car with expanded interior room. Where the standard Prius slopes downward after the C pillar, the Prius V stretches out and down to give the car its fourth or D Pillar.

Prius C—If you want improved fuel economy over the standard Prius, the Prius C is designed to offer that and more. Smaller and lighter than any hybrid sold by Toyota today, the Prius C is Toyota’s answer to the Honda Fit Hybrid, a subcompact that will arrive on the market just before the Prius C’s spring 2012 debut. Pricing is closer to $20,000, which will put this fuel-efficient car on the shopping list of people who would like an electric car, but aren’t about to pay twice the price.

Prius PHV—Is it possible to get better fuel mileage from the standard Prius without changing its body style? Yes, especially when it is offered as a plug-in hybrid. The Prius Plug-In, which will also debut in spring 2012, can be recharged with a standard electrical outlet and run on electric-only power longer than the conventional Prius. If you make a lot of local trips, this Prius will run on battery power only. The Prius PHV features a lithium-ion battery, a lighter and more efficient arrangement than a nickel-metal hydride battery. Importantly, when the electric battery has been depleted the Prius PHV operates just like any hybrid does, enabling drivers to go 475 miles on a single tank.

Prius Possibilities—No other Prius models are official—at least not just yet—but Toyota is considering expanding the Prius family further. The Prius+ is expected to hit the European market in 2012 and is essentially a Prius V with three rows of passenger seating, enabling this model to carry 7 passengers. Don’t look for this model stateside however, as Americans prefer storage capacity to seating room. Rumors of a Prius pickup truck are just that, but consider the possibilities!

Will you consider one of the new Prius models or wait until electric vehicle prices drop? Toyota thinks it has the best alternative to today’s EV models and has elected to expand its hybrid offerings instead of developing its own electric vehicle. That strategy may just work for the world’s dominant hybrid vehicle producer.

Photo: Toyota Motors