No single engine technology or fuel can deliver an optimal solution to the emissions challenge. All have their shortcomings. But what if it were possible to combine different types of power sources and make them work together to enhance their respective benefits and reduce their obvious shortcomings?
In 1997, Toyota launched the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric full hybrid vehicle, Prius, developed with the goal of doubling fuel efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions and combat global warming.
Since then, Toyota has gone on to sell over 2.2 million full hybrids globally, helping to keep an estimated nine million tons of harmful CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere.
In June 2009, Toyota launched the third generation Prius to worldwide critical acclaim. The new Prius breaks successive industry milestones: system power is increased by 22%, fuel economy is improved by 14%, and CO2 emissions start as low as 89 g/km. The all-new Prius is today the cleanest family car on the market.
How does a full hybrid work?
The revolutionary breakthrough achieved by hybrid technology is the intelligent management of the energy flows from these two different power sources, so that each dimension of driving – acceleration, open road, braking and stop-and-go – is optimised.
Most hybrids use an ultra-efficient petrol engine combined with a zero-emission electric motor matched to a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) electric battery pack to provide additional power.
In a petrol/electric hybrid, the electric motor is powered by a battery that is recharged during driving, braking or deceleration. Then, when extra power is required, the petrol engine kicks in.
Toyota’s full hybrid technology is proven to enhance vehicle efficiency whatever the energy source – gasoline, diesel, gaseous fuels, biofuels, synthetic fuels, hydrogen or electricity.
Not all hybrids are created equal
Unlike “mild hybrids”, which are primarily powered by a petrol engine and assisted by an electric motor, Toyota’s full hybrid system can switch between the electric motor and the engine, or run off the combination of both. Particularly unique is the system’s ability to drive exclusively in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode.
This powerful and energy-efficient capability means that “full hybrids” offer the most advanced driving performance, the best fuel economy and the lowest CO2 of any hybrid of comparable vehicle size in Europe.
Full hybrid, full satisfaction:
180,000+ satisfied hybrid customers across Europe
For over 70 years, we have strived to put the customer first. And customers have responded by making Prius the world’s top-selling hybrid, with global sales of 404,154 vehicles in 2009.
In 2005, the Prius was voted European Car of the Year – a strong endorsement for our environmentally-conscious hybrid technology. In 2007, it was ranked number one in the J.D. Power and Associates’ Customer Satisfaction Studies in the UK, Germany and France. This was the first time that a hybrid vehicle had collected this accolade, with Prius going on to repeat this accomplishment in 2008.
With more than 10 years of hybrid leadership behind us, Toyota’s hybrid technology has created a new generation of brand advocates. These are customers who believe – like us – that drivers do not need to compromise when opting for environmental technologies.
