How it works

A power split device sends part of the petrol engine power to the wheels and part to a generator. The electricity from the generator may go directly to the electric motor to help drive the car, or it may be converted into direct current to be stored in the battery.

For initial acceleration and during low speed driving the Prius’ ultra efficient electric motor uses energy from the battery to power the car. When the energy level is low, the Prius uses the electric engine to power the generator, to recharge the battery.

Above mid range speed, the Prius uses both its petrol engine and its electric motor in synergy to power the car. The electric motor gets its energy from a generator also driven by the petrol engine. As with low speed driving, battery recharging may also occur at the same time.

When braking and decelerating the Prius electric motor is used as a generator which converts otherwise unused kinetic energy into electricity, to recharge the battery. When the driver activates the EV mode (Electric Vehicle) mode, the Prius is powered solely by the electric motor drawing its energy from the battery.

When stationary, the Prius petrol engine switches off to conserve fuel. All other systems including the electric air conditioning continue functioning.

The Environment

When it comes to environmental performance, new Prius’s achievements are not just about the fuel economy and low emissions. Toyota’s determination to reduce emissions and promote sustainability prompted it to research and develop the world’s first injection moulded material to be derived from plant matter.

This new Ecological Plastic is used throughout new Prius. In the short term, Toyota’s aim is for Ecological Plastic to be used for up to 60 per cent of a car’s interior components.

CO2 emissions are a best-on-the-market 89g/km, a figure unmatched by any other family car. Moreover, when switched to EV (electric vehicle) running, Prius gives zero emissions performance for up to 1.24 miles at speeds up to 31mph. Inside and out, Toyota has made extensive use of high-recyclability materials, and huge efforts to reduce the use of any substances of concern in the car’s construction.

When the EV driving mode button is pressed, the car is powered by the electric motor alone, allowing zero-emission performance and ultra low-noise and vibration motoring, as well as obviously saving on petrol costs. The car’s engine is designed entirely around conserving energy, while ensuring optimum performance. In a conventional car, each time the brakes are applied, kinetic energy is wasted. Not so in the Prius – when braking the electric motor operates as a generator, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity, which is used to keep the battery fully charged. In fact the electric motor is selfcharging, creating energy from the car’s motion, so you never have to plug the car into the mains, as with some older fully electric cars.

Even the car’s power steering system is designed to conserve energy, kicking in gradually as and when it’s needed. When its driving duties are done, more than 85 per cent of new Prius’s can be recycled and more than 95 per cent of its materials can be recovered in a process that only accounts for a tiny propor tion (approximately two per cent) of its full lifecycle CO2 emissions.

How it looks

The Prius is able to achieve 72.4 miles per gallon on the combined cycle thanks to its low drag coefficient figure placing it as one of the world’s most aerodynamic vehicles. In terms of the design, the Prius’ silhouette is iconic – you can spot a Prius from 100 yards away.

The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid and the undisputed reference point for hybird technology. It works by using a petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor which means it can run by using the petrol engine only, electric only or a combination of both. At low speeds or in traffic the Prius uses electric power which means zero fuel consumption and zero emissions.

Not satisfied with the developments of hybrid technology, Prius is available with solar panels fitted on the roof of the car which can be operated remotely and use fans to cool the interior of the car without the need to switch on the engine when parked in open sunshine. Prius also features a heads up display which provides vehicle speed and the drivers eco monitor on the windscreen in the drivers line of vision meaning eyes do not need to be taken off the road to check this information.