Toyota – Pioneers In Hybrid Technology

Toyota Electrified Vehicles

Toyota led the auto industry on the road to electrification in 1997, with the launch of Prius.

Since then, we’ve continuously innovated towards a more efficient, sustainable, empowered future that has no finish line. Because it’s a race where if we win, we all win.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (or HEVs) combine gas engines with electric motors to generate electricity as you drive, which also means they never need to be plugged in.  

Right now, we offer the Prius, Corolla, Camry, Rav4, Highlander, Venza and soon, the Tundra in a Hybrid option.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (or PHEVs) operate in the same way as HEVs, but can optionally be plugged in for extended electric-only range.

We currently offer the Prius Prime and Rav4 Prime as PHEV options.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (or FCEVs) use hydrogen as an energy source in conjunction with electric motors, emitting water as the only by-product from the tailpipe.

Vehicles coming soon!

 

How does it all work?

Press the Power Button, and go — quickly and silently. In most conditions, at vehicle start-up only the electric motor is engaged, saving fuel and delivering instant torque, while producing zero emissions.

As your need for speed increases when merging, passing or maintaining highway speeds, the gas engine and electric motor team up to provide the ideal mix of mechanical and electrical power for smooth, seamless acceleration — all while maximizing fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions. Any excess energy created is used to help recharge the battery.

Take your foot off the accelerator or touch the brake pedal and the electric motor takes over — saving fuel and eliminating emissions. At the same time, the regenerative braking system kicks in, converting braking energy into electric energy to help recharge the battery.r foot off the accelerator or touch the brake pedal and the electric motor takes over — saving fuel and eliminating emissions. At the same time, the regenerative braking system kicks in, converting braking energy into electric energy to help recharge the battery.

Come to a complete halt, and the gas engine shuts down completely — once again conserving fuel and limiting emissions. However, if the battery is running low, the gas engine intuitively starts up to provide recharging power. In reverse, and under normal circumstances, only the electric motor needs to be operational. The ability to selectively use electric-only power is one of the many reasons that Toyota hybrids are so clean and efficient.

Toyota plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) operate much the same way as regular Toyota hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, they can also be optionally plugged in - enabling you to extend your electric-only driving range. RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime are great examples of PHEV technology.