With fluctuating fuel prices alternative fuel for cars is
now a reality. Australian drivers will never be immune from price hikes in fuel
because of the distances travelled. Alternative fuel cars . com.au will advise
on what is currently or soon to be available in Australia to fill the
alternative fuel market .
Toyota in 1994 went with the task to find a vehicle that was economical and
environmentally friendly, what was developed was the Prius NHW10 In 1997 it was
released into the Japanese market first sales where slow and only 240 sold in the first
year.
Electric: 288
V motor
30 kW (40 hp) @ 940 rpm
305 N·m (225 ft·lbf) @ 0 rpm
Wheelbase 2550 mm (100.4 in)
Length 4275 mm (168.3 in)
Width 1694 mm (66.7 in)
Height 1491 mm
2001 Prius NHW11, the battery had been improved as had the power, and export
to the USA and other countries including Australia was on the mind of Toyota.
The variable transmission and Air-cond was now standard. The launch into
Australia was at the Sydney Motor Show of 2001
Electric 273.6
V motor
33 kW (44 hp) @ 1040 rpm
350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) @ 0 rpm
Transmission1-speed planetary gear
Wheelbase 2550 mm (100.4 in)
Length 4308 mm (169.6 in)
Width 1694 mm (66.7 in)
Height 1463 mm (57.6 in)
Curb weight 1254.2 kg (2765 lb)
Prius 1997-2000
Prius 2000-2004
Prius 2004-2008
2004 Toyota NHW20, redesigned now with a hatch and a size increase to fit
nicely into the medium size range. A new system was now being used called Hybrid
synergy drive HSD. Battery life and reliability is now vastly improved. China in
2005 begins manufacture also of the Hybrid and sales top 1 Million.
Toyota Hybrid System II
Petrol
1.5 L DOHC I4 VVT-i
57 kW (76 hp) @ 5000 rpm
115 N·m (85 ft·lbf) @ 4200 rpm
Electric: 500
V
50 kW (67 hp) @ 1200 rpm
400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) @ 0 rpm
AT-PZEV
Net power: 110 hp (82 kW)
Transmission 1-speed planetary gear
Wheelbase 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Length 4450 mm (175.33 in)
Width 1725 mm (67.97 in)
Height 1490 mm (58.71 in)
Curb weight 1325 kg (2921 lb)
Interesting points about the Prius
In the USA some reports claim that the quietness is a hazard to
pedestrians.
The GPS nav sytem in the Prius can not be entered whilst the car is
moving
In 2008 a USA Consumer warning was given that the traction control system
may not work correctly in snowy conditions. In a similar report by Consumer
affairs in the USA claimed that some components of the Prius were not aging well
In august 2007 Auto Express magazine independently rated fuel efficiency
of many European available hatchs. Prius in this test rated only tenth.
Australia sales reach 10,000
Sales have been slow but a milestone has occurred in Australia for the worlds
best selling hybrid vehicle, here is a recent press release from Toyota
indicating a slow but successful climb in sales of this popular hybrid vehicle
"A
young couple determined to lower their fuel bills and vehicle emissions has
bought the 10,000th Toyota Prius to be sold in Australia.
Information technology manager David Balkin and council worker Shannon Larkin
said the petrol-electric Prius hybrid supported their lifestyle.
Mr Balkin said he and Shannon tried to reduce their carbon footprint as much as
possible - and were happy to save on fuel bills at the same time.
"Having a Prius is central to that strategy because we drive quite a lot," he
said. "
Taken from recent press release from Toyota 08/2008
2009 and beyond
With the development and reducing costs of batteries the Lithium -ion battery
will be the main feature of improvement for the Prius . The Plug in model
will hit the ground running well in front of other mass manufactured vehicles.
However pricing will still be the issue until full mass production of
batteries begin. This is still some years a way and the race currently is being
led by Nissan with the help of NEC for about 2011-2012.
Toyota Prius for 2010
The 2009 Detroit Motor show has unveiled plans for the 2010 Toyota Prius,
This time the fuel usage is 100km per 4.7 litres and a new 1.8 lt engine. That's
4 litre better than before. Amongst many new features is the solar panel on the
sunroof offering daylight ventilation without the engine running, say
goodbye to the hot car.
Here is part of the press release from the Motor show in 2009
"It's a core model for us," Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor
Sales USA, said in an interview before the Prius' unveiling. "It's a
very, very important piece for us."
The third generation
gas-electric Prius has a more aerodynamic design, but its exterior
is easily recognizable as a Prius. Toyota says pricing will be
released before the midsize sedan goes on sale in late spring."
The debuts come as hybrid sales have tumbled.
Petrol-electric cars sold briskly as petrol prices
peaked last (northern hemisphere) summer but have since
come down sharply as fuel prices collapsed to their
lowest levels in six years. But Toyota says it expects
petrol prices to stabilise at a higher level, boosting
long-term demand for hybrids.
Prius sales fell 45 per
cent in December 2008, but Toyota says the new Prius
will help increase demand for the car - including by
current owners who want to upgrade.
Last month, Toyota said it was shelving its plans to
build the Prius in Mississippi amid the industry wide
downturn. Toyota's plant under construction in Blue
Springs, Mississippi, was scheduled to begin production
in 2010, marking the first time the Prius would be built
outside of Japan and China".
Australia.
"A
young couple determined to lower their fuel bills and vehicle emissions has
bought the 10,000th Toyota Prius to be sold in Australia. 