Toyota Prius

One million Toyota Priuses have been sold so far since its birth back in Japan in 1997. Sold in 40 countries, the Prius was Toyota's answer to Global warming and increasing Crude Oil prices. It claims to be the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold in the U.S.A. It is also the second least C02 (Responsible for climate change) emitting vehicle in the U.K. Sounds very green!







Toyota Prius

It all started in 1994 when Toyota decided to produce a vehicle that would serve dual purposes - Cheap to run and easy on the environment. They decided the best manner to approach both the hassles was by developing hybrid technology. Some of the key aspects of the vehicle are discussed briefly:

*A smart choice of engine - The engine is operated on Atkinson cycle principle instead of the conventional Otto cycle. The engine also shuts off during traffic stops and the various accessories like the the air conditioner, which would normally run on the engine's power, are instead powered by a battery pack. The engine is used both to propel the vehicle and to recharge the batteries. Due to the assistance provided by the batteries, the engine could be downsized and tuned for fewer emissions and better fuel economy.

*Two electric motor/generators- Used to start the engine and provides counter torque for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The motor-generators is one unit but plays two roles. It acts like a starter motor to rev the engine up to life and acts as a generator to convert the kinetic energy of the rolling wheels into electrical energy at the battery.

*A nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack providing voltage for propelling the vehicle, which is supplied by Japan's Panasonic. To increase battery life, the batteries are charged only to about 50% of the maximum capacity.

*Regenerative braking is used using motor-generators, which converts kinetic energy of motion into electrical energy that is stored in the battery. Wear on brake pads reduce and the battery also gets charged this way, doing away with plugs or wires that an electric car would usually have.

*An aerodynamically favorable shape gives the Prius a Cd value of 0.26, which is prolific. The Kammback design helps the cause along with lower rolling-resistance tires.

*Light weight materials are in used in the construction of the body and some parts.

*Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) is the heart of the car processing the inputs and producing equivalent outputs.

The Prius achieved 5 maximum stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests in 2004. It has won several awards in the past for its technology, design and environment-friendly operation.

# 1997–98 Car of the Year Japan
# 2003 Scientific American named Toyota Motor Corporation as "Business Leader of the Year" ("Scientific American 50"; December, 2003) for its singular accomplishment in the commercialization of affordable hybrid cars.
# Motor Trend Car of the Year 2004
# Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004.
# North American Car of the Year award for 2004. Nominated in 2001.
# International Engine of the Year for 2004.
# "Best Engineered Vehicle for 2004" by SAE's Automotive Engineering International magazine.
# 2005 European Car of the Year.
# 2006 EnerGuide Award
# 2006 Intellichoice Best Overall Value of the Year, Midsize
# 2007 Intellichoice Best in Class Winner :Best Retained Value, Lowest Fuel, Lowest Operating Costs, Lowest Ownership Costs
# Swiss government named Toyota Prius the world's greenest car in a draft study of over 6,000 cars

Source : Toyota