Hybrid! That is the new direction for automobile. A hybrid vehicle uses two or more distinct power sources to move; it combines an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.
Although Nigeria has not taken to hybrid vehicles, elsewhere, they are the kings of the road. They also appear in cars and sport utility vehicles.
Toyota Prius is an SUV. Energynews24.com reported on Tuesday that the vehicle had continued to lead the market for hybrid automobiles since its introduction over a decade ago.
Prius has been an uncompromised ”full” hybrid. This means that it can run on the petrol engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both.
With its 50-MPG fuel economy rating, it is the most fuel-efficient passenger car available.
Prius manufacturer says the vehicle offers its stellar fuel economy in a versatile five-passenger package that is recognised as a midsize car by the EPA.
The company also says that it has sold 880,000 Prius models in the United States alone since 2000.
The third-generation Prius, the 2010 model year, came with better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and more innovative design features than the esteemed second-generation version.
It carries over with such innovative features as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Advanced Guidance Parking System and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.
Fuel economy
The current Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius was estimated at 41 EPA combined MPG, and the second-generation model achieved a 46 MPG EPA combined rating.
Using a combination of technologies, Toyota increased fuel efficiency for the new Prius to an EPA estimated 51 MPG in city driving, 48 MPG highway and a combined 50 MPG. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.
Hybrid Synergy Drive
The 2011 Prius is built, using processes that reduce emissions in every stage of the vehicle lifecycle, from production and driving, through to eventual disposal and dismantling years down the road.
In the Prius, a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine produces 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm.
Together with its electric motor, the hybrid system generates a combined 134 net horsepower, an improvement of 24 horsepower over the previous generation.
Due to the unique way that Toyota‘s Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor, the driver experiences a feeling of torque in the Prius that makes it feel even more powerful than the output numbers suggest.
Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation system also contributes to the engine‘s efficiency.
The engine is the first Toyota powerplant that requires no accessory drive belts, helping to enhance powertrain efficiency and also potentially reducing maintenance costs.
The hybrid synergy drive was completely re-engineered for the third-generation Prius, with lighter, more efficient components.
The 2011 Prius offers four driving modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV.
The EV Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit.
Power Mode increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel; Eco Mode helps drivers achieve the best mileage.
A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard.
It provides feedback on the Prius‘ efficiency using three different displays to help the driver adopt economical driving habits.
The 2011 Prius is certified as a super ultra low emission vehicle and an advanced technology partial zero emissions vehicle in California, as well as those states applying California emission standards.
The AT-PZEV certification requires the SULEV exhaust standard linked with the ability to meet a zero-fuel-evaporative standard, a 150,000-mile durability demonstration, extended emissions system warranty, and technology deemed by the California Air Resources Board to advance future fuel cell vehicles.
Trend-setting design
The Prius‘ design, by itself, came to represent ”hybrid” in the eyes of many. The third-generation Prius preserved that brand recognition while expanding the role of efficient aerodynamics in overall fuel economy. The 106.3-inch wheelbase is the same as the previous generation, while overall length is increased by just a half-inch to preserve the car‘s efficient packaging.
The corners of the new-generation Prius are sharp and sporty. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the smooth, geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.
The firm says, ”The third-generation Prius received more hours of wind tunnel testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in one of the cleanest aerodynamic profiles of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. ”By focusing on the shape of the body, under-floor, wheelhouse liner and wheel face design, the designers reduced the coefficient of drag value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model.”
Advanced equipment for a new era
An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system.
The solar powered ventilation system helps reduce the interior air temperature when parked directly in the sun. Cool-down time is shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.
The 2011 Prius also offers a remote air conditioning system. It is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone, and it allows remote operation so the driver can cool the interior temperature for comfort before getting into the car.
Light emitting diodes, optional in low beam headlamps and standard in tail and stop lamps, help to reduce the vehicle‘s power consumption.
Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance.
In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently.
Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20101124356115
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