Toyota Prius Hybrid

Toyota Prius Hybrid
Toyota Prius Hybrid White

Toyota Prius Hybrid

The Toyota Prius Hybrid is a hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation.

The Toyota Prius Hybrid first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Toyota Prius Hybrid is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the U.S. The UK Department for Transport also reported the Toyota Prius Hybrid is tied as the third least CO2-emitting vehicle on sale in the UK.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Toyota Announces Prius Station Wagon


Toyota has announced that its current Prius hybrid will be joined by a wagon version of the five-door hatchback in the near future. The Prius Wagon is expected to debut in either 2010 or 2011. That’s a year or two after the next generation Prius comes out in 2009, which itself promises to be roomier, more powerful, and offer better fuel economy then the existing car.

The primary purpose of the wagon configuration is to “attract more commercial customers looking for a green delivery vehicle that may save on fuel costs.” (For some time, a number of hybrid fans have been asking Toyota for a station wagon version of the Prius.)

Featuring added cargo capacity, the Prius station wagon could offer a great deal of practicality to any business that relies on the daily, local transportation of goods and services. But don’t think eco-conscious families won’t take notice. This five-passenger vehicle has the potential to become the ultimate daily driver for those who crave the green lifestyle. A wagon’s versatility would certainly add a level of convenience for loading up groceries or carting the kids around town. Whatever the purpose, expanding the lineup with a wagon will certainly improve the Prius’ appeal.

With respect to the third generation Prius, it will not utilize a new lithium-ion battery pack as reported earlier by various sources. It will instead use a new nickel metal hydride battery pack that’s very much like the one found in the current car.

No comments:

Toyota Prius Hybrid Models

Feature Model code
NHW10 NHW11 NHW20
Body style 4-door
Sedan
4-door
Sedan
5-door
Hatchback
First sales 1997 2000 2003
Battery Modules 40 38 28
Cells per module 6 6 6
Total cells 240 228 168
Volts per cell 1.2 1.2 1.2
Total volts (nominal) 288 273.6 201.6
Capacity amp hours 6.0 6.5 6.5
Capacity Watt hours 1728 1778.4 1310.4
Weight kg 57 50 45
Gasoline Engine Power kW/HP 43/58 52/70 57/76
Max rpm 4000 4500 5000
Electric Motor Operating Voltage 288 273 500
Power kW/HP 30/40 33/44 50/67
Combined Power kW/HP ?/? 73/98 82/110