The Prius, the first hybrid vehicle to be mass-produced in the world, was introduced by Toyota in Japan 20 years ago.
Our engineers continued to pave the way in the years that followed, incorporating hybrid technology into its vehicles all around the world. This week, it was revealed that the Prius had sold more than three million units. To celebrate, we examine how Toyota’s industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive technology has changed.
The hybrid powertrain in the first-generation Prius comprised of a 1.5 liter VVT-i transversely mounted gasoline engine coupled to an electric motor at the time of debut in 1997. The device could balance the power of the two units to suit driving circumstances and was capable of 50+ mpg. As a continuously variable transmission, a power-split mechanism with a planetary gear set was used to simultaneously distribute power to the generator, drivetrain, and engine.
The first-generation Prius solidified its reputation for quality and innovation by winning Japan’s Overall Car of the Year in 1998 and the New Car of the Year award in 1997. Early adopters outside of Japan clamoured to get their hands on the car when exports started two years later, in 2000. Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio is credited as one of the model’s most renowned owners.
The first-generation Prius was six years old by 2003, and Toyota decided it was time to introduce its replacement. In the same year that the second-generation Prius was released, the hybrid system, internally referred to as “THS,” had its first significant upgrade and became “THS II.” The 1496cc displacement of the engine remained unchanged, but the engine’s revolution speed was increased. Meanwhile, the power output of the electric motor was increased by 50% to 50kW.
The THS II unit in the second-generation Prius saw a substantial improvement in the model’s fuel efficiency; it could now achieve 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle, which is still an astounding statistic for a vehicle competing in the family car, or “D” sector.
Toyota’s hybrid vehicles scored a significant milestone in 2007 when global sales of the second-generation Prius surpassed one million units. By this time, hybrid technology had made it into Lexus models, proving that there is a market for both high-end and common hybrid cars.
The third-generation Prius was introduced in 2009, and it featured a brand-new, 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain. This incredibly efficient unit was able to achieve 72.4 mpg on the combined cyclea 9 percent improvement over the second-generation THS IIas well as emissions that fell well below the magical 100 g/km barrierthe car’s official CO2 output being just 89 g/km. This was made possible in part by the installation of a reduction gear and an improved 3JM motor.
Prior to 2010, Toyota’s hybrid efforts had been mostly concentrated on the Prius. However, that year saw the launch of the Auris Hybrid, giving Toyota another market-first small family car made in Britain. The Auris Hybrid, which used the same gasoline/electric motor as the Prius, had a weight advantage that led to a combined cycle fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg and a theoretical range of 735 miles.
Toyota unveiled no fewer than three new hybrid models in quick succession in 2012, despite maintaining its market monopoly for hybrid vehicles. The company was eager to advance Hybrid Synergy Drive (THS/THS II) technology.
Yaris Hybrid, Prius+ with seven seats, and Prius Plug-In, an incredibly efficient vehicle.
Toyota broke from precedent with Prius+, choosing an energy-dense lithium-ion battery instead of the more customary nickel-metal hydride pack. Compared to nickel-hydride packs, the small battery provides for more interior flexibility and requires less maintenance.
Although the Prius Plug-In also employs a lithium-ion battery, its ability to be plugged in results in better fuel efficiency.
The car can achieve a mind-blowing 134.5 mpg and travel 14 miles on electric power alone before automatically switching to the Prius’s 1.8-liter gasoline engine when the battery is running low.
80 percent of all hybrid car sales worldwide each year are made by Toyotas, and by 2020, 30 percent of all Toyota vehicles produced are anticipated to be hybrids. The incredible success of Hybrid Synergy Drive is proof positive that there is always a better way.
In This Article...
Toyota began producing hybrids when?
Beginning in the late 1990s, hybrid automotive technology gained popularity. The Toyota Prius, which debuted in Japan in 1997, was the first hybrid car to be mass-produced. The Honda Insight, which debuted in the US and Japan in 1999, came next. [4] In the year 2000, the Prius was introduced in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. [57] According to estimates, the first-generation Priussedan can go 45 miles per US gallon (5.2 L/100 km; 54 mpgimp) on the highway and 52 miles per US gallon (4.5 L/100 km; 62 mpgimp) in the city. 61 miles per US gallon (3.9 L/100 km; 73 mpgimp) in the city and 68 miles per US gallon (3.5 L/100 km; 82 mpgimp) on the highway were the estimated fuel economy ratings for the two-door first-generation Insight. [4]
In 1997, the Toyota Prius sold 300 units, and in 2000, 19,500 units were sold. The one millionth Prius was sold globally in April 2008.
[57] Early in 2010, it was estimated that 1.6 million Prius units had been sold worldwide. [58] [59] In 2004 and 2009, Toyota introduced the Prius models of the third generation. [60] The 2010 Prius has a combined fuel economy cycle evaluated by the US EPA at 50 miles per US gallon (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpgimp). [60] [61]
The only Duo to ever enter series production, the Audi Duo III was unveiled in 1997 and was based on the Audi B5 A4 Avant.
[3] A 21 kilowatt (29 PS; 28 horsepower) electric motor and 1.9-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine were both employed in the Duo III. Only roughly sixty Audi Duos were made because to limited demand and its expensive price,[clarification needed]. The Duo was the sole hybrid vehicle produced in Europe up until the 2008 debut of the Audi Q7 Hybrid. [3] [62]
The seventh-generation Honda Civic served as the foundation for the Honda Civic Hybrid, which debuted in February 2002 as a 2003 model.
[63] The 2003 Civic Hybrid looks just like the non-hybrid model and gets 50 miles per US gallon (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpgimp), which is a 40% improvement over a standard Civic LX sedan. [63] In addition to the standard Civic, it had a stylistic upgrade for 2004. The second generation Toyota Prius was completely revamped in 2004, enhancing power output, passenger space, and payload capacity while lowering pollutants and improving energy efficiency. After production ceased in 2006, the original generation Honda Insight nevertheless had a strong fan base of owners. In 2010, a second-generation Insight was introduced. Honda also introduced a 6-cylinder hybrid version of the Accord in 2004. However, Honda abandoned it in 2007 due to poor sales, and in 2012, production of a 4-cylinder hybrid started. [64]
The first hybrid electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Ford Escape Hybrid, was introduced in 2005. Ford and Toyota struck into a licensing arrangement in March 2004 that allowed Ford to use 20 Toyota-owned hybrid technology patents, despite the fact that Ford’s engine was independently created and constructed. [Reference needed] Ford granted Toyota patents relating to its European diesel engines in return for the hybrid licenses. [Reference needed] The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h with 4WD-i, which use a rear electric motor to power the back wheels and eliminate the need for a transfer case, were introduced by Toyota as hybrid electric versions for the calendar year 2005.
The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line, which used GM’s Belted Alternator/Starter (BAS Hybrid) technology along with a 2.4-liter L4 engine and a FWD automatic transmission, was the first mild-parallel hybrid vehicle that General Motors Saturn Division put on the market in 2006. The 2008 Saturn Aura Greenline and Malibu Hybrid versions were both powered by the same hybrid drivetrain. Only the BAS-equipped Malibu is still in (limited) production as of December 2009[update].
The GS 450h, a hybrid electric variant of Lexus’ GS sport car with 335 horsepower, was debuted in 2007.
[65] In the summer of 2006, the 2007 Camry Hybrid was made available in the US and Canada. In 2007, Nissan introduced the Altima Hybrid, which used Toyota-licensed technology. [66]
Fall 2007 saw the launch of General Motors’ 2008 Two-Mode Hybrid versions of the GMT900-based Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, which were swiftly followed by the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid[67] model.
[68] The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado[69] and GMC Sierra[70] Two-Mode Hybrid models, which are half-ton pickup trucks, were produced by General Motors with the same technology.
The second-generation Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid, and the Ford Fusion Hybrid were all introduced to the US market in March 2009 after making their official debuts at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2008[71].
[56]
Toyota hybrids: are they more dependable?
The Toyota Prius, the hybrid crossover that launched the entire trend, will always be associated with hybrid cars. Over the course of two decades, it has even demonstrated its dependability, solidifying its place in the market and winning over customers.
Toyota is known for producing some of the most dependable engines, and the Prius is no exception. A remarkable 10-year/150,000-mile warranty is included with its hybrid battery. It is one of the most trustworthy automobiles available because to its low operating expenses and smooth hybrid powertrain.
What makes the Toyota hybrid unique?
You’ve come to the correct place if you’re looking to buy a hybrid car in South Burlington. You have a wide range of options when it comes to buying a hybrid car. However, Toyota’s hybrid portfolio is the best in its field. Any Toyota Hybrid vehicle is available for purchase at Heritage Toyota in South Burlington, Vermont.
Toyota uses a complex mechanism known as the Hybrid Synergy drive to create their hybrid vehicles. All hybrid Toyota cars and trucks have outstanding fuel economy. In accordance with the speed of the vehicle, they may effortlessly transition between gas and electric power. They all have regenerative braking systems, which store the energy created during braking and transfer it back to the battery for use later. If you want to find out which Toyota hybrid car is the best of 2021, keep reading.
High Voltage system repair costs may be more expensive.
Although hybrid cars may need less frequent maintenance, they can be expensive to repair when something goes wrong, especially if the high voltage system is involved. Depending on the battery type and the precise make and model of your vehicle, replacing a dead or damaged high voltage battery could cost thousands of dollars.
Hybrid vehicles are loaded with complicated parts in addition to the usual technology found in ICE vehicles, including massive high voltage battery packs, inverters, electric motors, and enhanced cooling systems. Hybrid repairs can be more expensive because of these intricate mechanisms, and not all mechanics have the tools and expertise to fix them correctly.
Fortunately, Firestone Complete Auto Care mechanics are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out everything from routine maintenance on hybrid cars to repairs to high voltage systems. Today, give your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care a call to see if they provide these high voltage system repairs.
They may have a higher upfront cost.
You might have to pay more up front when converting to a hybrid car. Despite a decreasing sales price range, these vehicles frequently continue to be more expensive than ICE-only equivalents. Fortunately, you might be able to use tax breaks, government incentives, cheaper operational costs, and fuel savings to offset this upfront investment.
They may have less power when compared to standard ICE vehicles.
Hybrid cars are rarely made for racecar-like acceleration and speed; instead, they are produced for fewer CO2 emissions and better fuel efficiency. Conventional automobiles frequently forego a lot of the performance upgrades that affect maximum horsepower.
For instance, space and dimensions are often modified as hybrid cars have two propulsion options. The result: Hybrid vehicles frequently accelerate more slowly at the high end than their conventional counterparts.
What is the main issue with hybrid vehicles?
Battery Problems The battery systems are a hybrid car’s main flaw. Almost all hybrid vehicles employ powertrain-integrated batteries. That means that the automobile occasionally runs on battery power, which is wonderful news when you’re driving. Better gas mileage is the end outcome.
How much does a Toyota hybrid battery replacement cost?
You will adore the strong blend of power and fuel efficiency that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers drivers. Toyota will offer car purchasers an amazing warranty scheme that will cover hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) like the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai in the unlikely case of a battery malfunction thanks to the state-of-the-art hybrid technology found inside. You will receive a 10-year/150,000-mile Enhanced Hybrid Battery Warranty from the date of first use when you buy a Toyota hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or FCEV for model year 2020. The current 8-year/100,000-mile Toyota Hybrid Battery Guarantee will be replaced with the expanded warranty.
What Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Hybrid Battery?
The two battery typesLithium-ion and Nickel-Metal Hydridethat power the electric motor, which is a key part of the hybrid powertrain, will be found in Toyota hybrid entrants. The hybrid battery pack in your Toyota Prius is a crucial component of Toyota hybrid powertrains and is built to last, but it is expensive to replace and can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000 when you buy a new battery. The cost to replace a used Toyota hybrid battery can range from $1,500 to $3,500. Please note that problems are uncommon because these hybrid batteries are built to endure the lifetime of the vehicle.
How long does the typical hybrid car last?
Hybrid battery life questions typically consist of multiple distinct inquiries rolled into one. First, you might be curious about the hybrid battery warranty if you’re buying new or your used hybrid is only a few years old. The typical warranty period for hybrid systems is eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Toyota upped the ante for 2020 by extending its warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles. The manufacturer will guarantee that most of their batteries will endure beyond the warranty period, therefore the warranty provides us a solid overall ballpark figure for battery life.
Hybrid battery life becomes unclear when the warranty expires. Although automakers like to speak in generalities, these statements frequently fall flat in our daily lives. Therefore, when looking for a secondhand hybrid, there is no set age or mileage to avoid. It may glide past 300,000 miles or malfunction at 50,000 miles. A Toyota dealership service adviser who was contacted directly on the matter stated that he typically sees hybrid battery problems after 10 years and starting at roughly 180,000 miles. That’s good, but there are news stories about hybrid taxis and ride-sharing vehicles that have traveled well over 500,000 miles. How come?
According to Peter Neilson, a former Toyota mechanic and consultant with 16 years of hybrid experience, it depends on the technology. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are used by the vast majority of hybrid vehicles on the road today. You can expect to get 10 to 15 years of service out of a Ni-MH battery if the automobile is driven regularly and the typical annual mileage is met.
What does this mean for the average motorist? Given that the typical American travels 13,500 miles per year, a new hybrid should have a battery life of 12 to 14 years. In 2020, the average age of a car on the road was 12, thus a hybrid battery ought to last the entire lifespan of the automobile. Mileage is not the only factor in hybrid battery life, though.