How Does The Official Plug In Prius Work?

I know the Prius Plug In is out on test at the moment and I believe the battery has about a 15 mile EV only range.

What I don't know and am really curious about is how will the car work and drive?

If you just need to nip to the shops I imagine it will allow you to start it up in EV mode (like now) and you drive the 5 mile round trip to the shops on electric only. Then plug in and charge on your return.

Or will it just be run in the same way as the existing Prius but just stays on electric mode longer before kicking the engine in, say when faster acceleration is required or on hills.

Or would it be both? Are my assumptions correct? Also, did I read somewhere that the official plug in wont have an EV button?

Appreciate any comments.

 

Got a few more questions. I think I understand what you're saying but just want to clarify a few more queries.

Say I had one tomorrow and was going to do my job as a taxi driver, where I will drive about 150 miles around heavy traffic all day. The temp outside is about 4c.

When I start the car (put it in ready mode) does the engine kick in after 8 seconds like it does now? Will the engine fire up to warm the heating and cat up? Or is there another way of providing heat?

Once the initial charge has gone after the first 15 miles or so, does the car operate like the existing Prius now? or does it become a 'normal' petrol car? Are there two traction batteries or once the initial 15 miles has gone, does the car keep some power in reserve to operate like the traditional Prius?

I hope you understand what I'm trying to get at - I'm not a particularly articulate person

Thanks again for your help Ken.