Originally, we were excited to see the Toyota Prius Plug-In as a concept. Now, after seeing the actual production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we're ecstatic.

The difference between the traditional Toyota Prius Hybrid and the forthcoming Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is actually quite subtle, technology wise. The gap it bridges between a hybrid and a pure EV, however, is huge. And, Byers Toyota believes it serves as the perfect stepping stone, for eco-minded drivers who want to reduce their reliance of fossil-fuels...and effectively their CO₂, but still want some semblance of instant gratification and a longer driving range.

The 2012 Toyota Prius PHEV in equipped with a lithium-ion battery (larger than that featured in Toyota's standard hybrid formula), giving it an electric-only driving range of nearly 12.5 miles (roughly 11.25 miles more than the standard Prius hybrid), fuel efficiency of 49 MPG in hybrid mode and 87 MPG in pure-electric mode, a recharge time of about 1.5 hours, if using a 240V outlet, and the kicker: this baby accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 10.7 seconds. All of this at a starting MSRP of just $32,760!

Toyota will begin accepting orders for the new 2012 Toyota Plug-In Prius, starting as soon as next month.  Actual deliveries will follow shortly thereafter, at the beginning of next year. The fourteen states in which consumers will have the opportunity to purchase the new PHEV in October are: California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. It has yet to be determined if other states will be added to that list later on, down the road. However, please keep in mind that you can still order a Prius PHEV even if you don't live in one the 14 participating launch states.

Interested in more Toyota news? Stay tuned. Byers Toyota, located at 1599 Columbus Pike in Delaware, OH 43015, is dedicated to keeping you informed. And remember you can always browse our always-up-to-date Columbus new Toyota and used car inventories online.