How Does A Hybrid Engine Really Work?

Toyota Has Five Models That Average 44 mpg

As drivers endure the steady ascent of fuel prices nationally, Toyota, the most fuel-efficient full-line auto manufacturer in the United States, has strengthened its portfolio of efficient cars with five recently introduced vehicles that offer an average combined fuel economy of 44 mpg.

The Scion iQ (EPA rated 37 mpg combined), Camry Hybrid (EPA rated 40.5 mpg combined average for LE and XLE trim levels), and Prius v (EPA rated 42 mpg combined) all arrived to market in late 2011. The Prius Plug-in (EPA rated 50 mpg combined and 95 MPGe), featuring extended electric range, is making its way to first customers in the 15 launch states, and the Prius c (EPA rated 50 mpg combined) will be on sale nationally March 12.

These new vehicles represent a broad range of leading-edge drivetrain and engineering technologies that help them achieve a high level of efficiency. Hybrid Synergy Drive, extended electric vehicle range, generous use of lightweight high-strength steel, a focus on aerodynamics, and the use of efficient Continuously Variable Transmissions are among the features that help these new vehicles attain a high level of fuel efficiency.

These five new models arrive to market with Toyota already enjoying a 12-percent improvement in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and a 10-percent improvement in U.S. truck CAFE over the past five years. Toyota remains committed to a long-term plan to bring a portfolio of advanced technologies to market, including hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

According to the EPA class summary found on U.S. Department of Energy’s www.fueleconomy.gov website, Toyota offers several models that achieve 2012 Best-in Class fuel economy EPA ratings (excluding Plug-in Hybrid and pure EV vehicles). The Prius c leads the EPA’s compact classification with 50 mpg combined. The Prius Liftback’s combined 50 mpg leads the EPA’s midsize category, and the midsize station wagon class is led by the 42 mpg combined offered by the Prius v. These segment classifications are determined by the EPA’s measurement of a vehicle’s interior volume.

Toyota and Scion branded vehicles also represent six of the site’s Top 10 EPA-rated Fuel Sippers for 2012 (excluding PHEV or pure EV products), and occupy four spots in that list’s top five. Toyota family vehicles found on the U.S Department of Energy’s Fueleconomy.gov Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Sippers include:

2012 Prius c (ranked 1st, 53 city, 46 hwy)
2012 Prius (ranked 2nd, 51 city, 48 hwy)
2012 Prius v (ranked 4th, 44 city, 40 hwy)
Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (ranked 7th, 43 city, 39 hwy)
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE (ranked 8th, 40 city, 38 hwy)
2012 Scion iQ (ranked 10th, 36 city, 37 hwy)

Prius was named the Best Overall Value of the year (Passenger Car category) for 2012 by IntelliChoice. Prius continues to be the world’s best-selling fuel-efficient vehicle, with more than 3.5 million vehicles sold worldwide. Since its U.S. introduction in 2000, Prius ñ when compared to the average car ñ has saved American consumers an estimated $2.93 billion in fuel costs*, 1.1 billion gallons of gas* and 16.1 million tons of CO2 emissions*.

* Based on average EPA estimated combined mpg rating of Prius versus all MY 2001 to 2011 cars, 10,000 miles/year, and average U.S. gas prices including taxes. Fueleconomy.gov.

Prius V arrives in Macon at Butler Toyota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 04, 2012 - The all-new 2012 Toyota Prius V at the Butler Toyota Prius dealership features 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Sporting an aerodynamic design and powered by Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Prius V delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, while producing low smog-forming emissions.

Furthermore, the Prius V is also as versatile as it is efficient. With the rear seat backs down, the Prius V offers 67.3 cubic-feet of cargo space. By volume, that’s equal to 98 paper grocery bags. With the seat backs up, there are 34.3 cubic-feet of space behind the rear seats. With its 60/40 split sliding, reclining fold-down rear seats, the Prius V offers a variety of people and payload possibilities.

Available on Prius V is also the Entune system, a collection of popular mobile applications and data services delivered via most smart phones and some feature phones. Using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune’s features are operated with the vehicle’s controls or, for some services, by voice recognition. Entune is scheduled to offer mobile apps for Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora and other data services.

Butler Toyota now offers the new Prius V, along with a large selection of new Toyotas and certified pre-owned Toyotas, plus pre-owned import and domestic vehicles.

For more information about any of Butler Toyota’s products or services, call 478-476-1770, view the dealership on the web at http://macon.butlertoyota.com or visit 4580 Riverside Drive in Macon.

Butler Toyota is the Toyota Dealer serving Middle Georgia. Our commitment to customer service is second to none. Founded on the “Customer First” principle, we have served faithfully for over 40 years.

Diesel hybrid car carrier to ship Toyota Prius across Pacific

Beginning this month, Toyota Prius vehicles and other hybrids from the Japanese manufacturer will be transported across the Pacific Ocean in a diesel-hybrid car carrier.

The Auriga Leader has been a pioneer in environmentally friendly shipping since 2009.

At the time, it was fitted with 328 solar cells in an attempt to reduce its dependence on oil. It saved an average of 13 tonnes of fuel and 40 tonnes of CO2 per year, although that equated to just one percent of the ship’s electric equipment and 0.05 percent of its propulsion power.

According to environmental website Gas 2.0, the average car carrying ship uses 120 gallons of fuel per mile (28,225 litres/100km), which makes the emissions of the cars onboard seem largely insignificant.

The Auriga Leader has now been fitted with a number of massive nickel-hydrogen batteries. Its generator has also been retrofitted to run on low-sulphur diesel.

So far, no predictions of fuel or emissions savings have been released, although the hybrid system is expected to lead to significant reductions in consumption and emissions compared with the solar panels.

Like the solar panel experiment, the hybrid system will be tested over the coming years. If the system is effective, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and NYK line plan to commercialise the technology and implement it in more ocean-liners.

Prius V Offers More Cargo Space Than 80 Percent Of Small SUVs

The newest entrant in a growing Prius family of hybrid vehicles is the Prius v(the “v” stands for “versatility”). Although it features the many of the elements found in the standard Toyota Prius hybrid, the Prius v offers mid-size roominess and greater cargo space.

Toyota Prius -V (versitile)

Toyota believes the Prius v will be ideally suited to growing families with active lifestyles. Despite this vehicle’s larger dimensions, the Prius v will still deliver impressive estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined.

“The Prius v brings leading-edge hybrid technology to customers who need more room and provides more cargo space than 80 percent of all small SUVs,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. “And because it’s a Prius, it produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle and will have the best mileage ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon sold in America. We think that’s a win-win for everybody.”

Powering the Prius v is the same proven Hybrid Synergy Drivesystem as the third-generation Prius, with the advantages of high mileage, low emissions, and never needing to be recharged. This powertrain has already helped the standard Prius retain its reputation as the most popular hybrid vehicle around the world.

Thanks to the Prius v’s larger size, it should provide a more comfortable interior for the entire family. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market.

Additionally, consumers will also enjoy a range of convenience and connectivity features available on the Prius v including Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, a JBL audio system, HD Radio with iTunes tagging for future purchase, and Pitch and Bounce Control, which improves ride comfort and control.

WOW ! Look at this space

The 2012 Toyota Prius v will go on sale in Fall 2011. Keep checking back right here for additional details on the growing Prius family of hybrids. At Butler Toyota you will find the right car for you and your family.

First Pipeline-Fed Hydrogen Station in the United States

The station is a collaborative effort between Toyota, Air Products, Shell, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The facility will provide hydrogen for the Toyota fuel cell hybrid demonstration program vehicles as well as other manufacturers’ fuel cell vehicle fleets in the Los Angeles area.

“Building an extensive hydrogen re-fueling infrastructure is a critical step in the successful market launch of fuel cell vehicles,” said Chris Hostetter, group vice president, product and strategic planning, TMS. “We plan to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015, or sooner, and the infrastructure must be in place to support our customers’ needs.”

The station is located adjacent to the TMS sales and marketing headquarters campus. As landowner, Toyota leases the land to Shell for a nominal fee. As station owner/operator, Shell works directly with Air Products who provides onsite equipment and station maintenance. The pipeline gas also is provided by Air Products from its plants in Wilmington and Carson, Calif. SCAQMD and DOE provided project funding assistance.

“This is the first time Shell has worked closely with a vehicle manufacturer to develop a demonstration station,” said Julian Evison, general manager of operations for Shell alternative energies. “The industry has made good technical progress, but cooperation is a necessity for hydrogen to achieve its commercial potential as a road transport fuel.”

Air Products also worked with Toyota and other fuel cell vehicle manufacturers to develop the Hydrogen Vehicle Authorization System (HVAS), another first for the industry and unique to the Torrance station. The HVAS wireless vehicle recognition system allows station-to-vehicle recognition to facilitate quick and convenient fueling for customers.

The station also will feature a learning center onsite to provide hydrogen and station information to local students and the general public. Shell and Toyota will work together to populate the learning center.

With this new station, the City of Torrance will become part of the California Hydrogen Highway initiative, which aims to create clean air solutions and develop new technology jobs across the state.

For more information on the Hydrogen Highway initiative, please visit http://www.hydrogenhighway.ca.gov/.

“This fueling station will be a tremendous model to show how effortless a pipeline supply of hydrogen can be to an automobile fueling station and other hydrogen fuel cell applications,” said David J. Taylor, vice president, energy business at Air Products. “This site will be a model to learn and expand pipeline fed stations as opportunities arise.”

The close proximity of the hydrogen pipeline to TMS campus led Toyota to think beyond vehicles to consider additional ways to use hydrogen. In 2010, Toyota partnered with Ballard Power Systems to install a one-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell generator to offset peak electricity demand on campus. The fuel cell generator will be fed directly from the hydrogen pipeline through an existing tap on the TMS property. Pipeline hydrogen used on campus will be offset with the purchase of landfill generated renewable bio-gas.

The system is scheduled for installation in 2012 and is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 10,000 tons with emission-free fuel cell technology. Plans include using heat created by the fuel cell system to provide hot water and space heating in the Toyota employee fitness center and in the Lexus headquarter building within the TMS headquarters campus. Use of this heat will offset natural gas consumption on campus, thereby avoiding an estimated additional 28 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Toyota’s fuel cell hybrid vehicle fleet has logged several million miles since hitting the road in 2002, with significant technological improvements along the way. The first generation fuel cell hybrid vehicles (FCHV) estimated range was 130 miles. In 2009, the latest generation vehicle, Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FCHV-adv), achieved an estimated range of 431 miles on a single fill of hydrogen. In addition to fuel cell stack efficiency and range improvements, durability and cold temperature operation have greatly improved along with significant reductions in manufacturing and materials costs. Toyota’s current FCHV-adv nationwide demonstration program is placing more than 100 vehicles with demonstration partners by 2013, providing one of the largest fleets of active fuel cell vehicles in the country. The primary goal of the demonstration program is to spur infrastructure development prior to fuel cell vehicle market introduction in 2015. Successful infrastructure development will require collaborative efforts between manufacturers, government regulators, and business, similar to the partnerships formed to open the Torrance Shell hydrogen demo station.

“Vehicle demonstration programs and demonstration stations like the Torrance station are a critical next step in preparing the market for advanced technology vehicles and future fuels,” said Hostetter. “These innovative programs allow us educate, inform and prepare our customers for the future.”

Toyota to launch home electric car chargers in 2012

Toyota Motor Corp will launch home battery chargers for electric and plug-in hybrid cars next year as it starts selling new models of environmentally friendly cars, the Nikkei business daily reported on Sunday.

The chargers, which will be compatible with non-Toyota cars, will come in two types, the Nikkei reported, citing company sources. One would extend from the exterior wall of a home and the other would be for setting up in a garage.

The company expects to sell 20,000 to 30,000 units in the first year, with each costing about several tens of thousands of yen to 200,000 yen ($2,405) including installation costs, the Nikkei added.

Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, has said it would begin selling a Prius-based plug-in hybrid by early 2012 mainly in Japan, the United States and Europe, targeting sales of more than 50,000 units a year.

The car, which unlike a conventional hybrid can be plugged in to enable longer-distance driving using only electricity, is expected to cost as little as 3 million yen in Japan, the company has said.

In the field of battery electric

Coming to homes in 2010

vehicles, Toyota plans to begin selling in 2012 a model based on the tiny iQ in the United States, Japan and Europe.

The Plugged-In Prius

Early in the Toyota Prius' history, U.S. owners noticed it lacked the EV mode switch included in the Japanese market car. Thus was born the first Prius hack, restoring that button's functionality in the U.S. cars. Then, in 2004, CalCars took Prius hacking even further, adding the capability of charging up the battery pack from the grid. CalCars boasts that this hacked Prius gets 100 mpg. That Toyota is now promising the public a plug-in Prius as a 2012 model should only beg the question of what took so long. As with most car companies, Toyota moves at a conservative pace, not wanting to risk a manufacturing line on a product that could turn out to be a dud. The launch of the official Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) began with concept vehicles shown at car shows, and now test vehicles being added to fleets. This launch program culminates in August 2012, when Toyota will make the Prius Plug-in available to the public.

As part of its roll-out, Toyota let CNET drive one of these Prius PHEV's for a week to assess the technology. Although this car offered essentially the same specifications as the model Toyota will release to the public, there will probably be a certain amount of refinement based on data from the fleet testing. Consider the current Prius PHEV a beta. Besides the stickers along the sides proclaiming this Prius' plug-in status, the exterior sports a charge port on the left front fender. Covered by a hatch similar to the fuel filler hatch toward the rear, the charge port uses the JA1772 standard plug for electric cars. Nobody should have a problem distinguishing the fuel and charge ports. Inside the Prius PHEV, the cargo area suffers a tiny bit from the conversion. The cargo floor is raised by about half an inch to make room for a stack of lithium ion batteries underneath. This battery pack replaces the nickel metal hydride pack used in the standard Prius. And although lithium ion has greater energy density than nickel metal hydride, the battery pack still takes up more space, as it has to store enough electricity to drive the car in EV mode.

This bigger battery pack not only knocks out the spare tire, but it feels like it makes the car heavier, as well. Toyota makes up for the spare with a patch kit. Where the Nissan Leaf has a row of colored lights that let you know its charge state when plugged in, the Prius PHEV has a single amber light set in the dashboard that turns on when it is charging. This light isn't designed into the general instrumentation of the car, and looks more like something an engineer knocked into place with a Dremel tool. Short rangeIt does not take long to charge up the Prius PHEV, maybe a couple of hours. But instead of any great charging efficiency on the part of Toyota, that charging time has more to do with the fact that the battery pack is not particularly robust, only capable of driving the car for 13 miles. That's right, only 13 miles. Once that less than copious amount of electric range gets depleted, the car switches to hybrid mode, where it operates very similar to a standard Prius. But while the car is in electric mode, indicated by a green EV icon in the eyebrow display, it feels much like a Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt. Push the accelerator and it jolts forward, making a turbinelike whirring sound. Acceleration continues with that linearity peculiar to electric cars. At least up to 62 mph, at which speed it automatically switches over to standard hybrid mode.

Along with the green EV icon in the instrument cluster, the Prius PHEV also sports an extra graph among its various power use animations. This simple bar graph shows how much time the Prius PHEV has been driven in EV mode and how much in hybrid mode. When the Prius PHEV arrived in the CNET garage, it showed only 2 percent EV driving, and fuel economy down at 43 mpg. Over our testing period, EV time was boosted up to 15 percent, with final mileage about 58 mpg. Commuting within the confines of San Francisco, a city measuring only 7 by 7 miles, the car was able to make round trips under electric power the entire distance. For a commute as short as this, a driver might not use a drop of gas all week. When the battery became depleted, the Prius PHEV almost unnoticeably switched over to its hybrid mode. Toyota has always done a good job of making the engine kick in very smoothly in its hybrids. Where in a normal Prius, you might see the battery meter rise to full after a few downhill runs, the Prius PHEV takes much longer to fill, as the battery pack is bigger. And even when the battery meter showed a quarter full after some careful driving, it would not switch back into EV mode, still operating as a normal hybrid. There is little change to the handling feel with the Prius PHEV--the car still feels wobbly, as if it would much prefer to go in straight lines rather than bother turning. The suspension, though not rough, has more of an economy than luxury car feel. The steering feel is on the numb side, the electric power-steering unit giving off its characteristic whir when the wheel is turned. Toyota has not released full specifications on the Prius PHEV yet, but it feels heavier than a standard Prius. The addition of the bigger battery pack would account for the mass increase, and leads us to suspect that the Prius PHEV would get worse gas mileage than the standard Prius when driving in hybrid mode because of the extra weight. That loss of efficiency can be mitigated merely by charging it up and driving it in electric mode. Given the nature of its plug-in system, the phrase "your mileage may vary" applies to the Prius PHEV in a big way. Whatever numbers the EPA comes out with for the car's mileage will apply to few owners. Someone driving the car in EV mode 50 percent of the time will get much different mileage than another person only taking advantage of EV mode 20 percent of the time. As the electric range is not that great, few owners would likely go to the extra expense of installing a dedicated charging station at home. But the car recharges reasonably fast from a 110-volt outlet. One thing not offered in the Prius PHEV is the ability to schedule charging times, as in the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt