Toyota Prius
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation
Production	1997–present
Body and chassis
Class	Hybrid car
Layout	FF layout

The Toyota Prius (Template:Pron-en) is a full hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) rate the Prius as among the cleanest vehicles sold in the United States based on smog forming and toxic emissions.^[1]

The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 70 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.^[2] In May 2008, global cumulative Prius sales reached the milestone 1 million vehicle mark,^[3] and in September 2010, the Prius reached worldwide cumulative sales of 2.0 million units.^[2] The U.S. is the largest market, with 814,173 units registered by December 2009.^[4]

Toyota Prius (XW10)
Overview
Production	1997–2001 (NHW10) 2001–2003 (NHW11)
Assembly	Takaoka, later Toyota City (Motomachi), Japan[5]
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan

In 1995, Toyota debuted a hybrid concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, with testing following a year later.^[6] The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale on December 10, 1997.^[7][8] It was available only in Japan, though it has been imported privately to at least the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.^[9] The first generation Prius, at its launch, became the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car. The NHW10 Prius styling originated from California designers, who were selected over competing designs from other Toyota design studios.^[8]

In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between the smaller Echo and the larger Corolla. The published retail price of the car was US$19,995.^[10] The NHW11 Prius became more powerful partly to satisfy the higher speeds and longer distances that Americans drive.^[11] Air conditioning was standard equipment.^[12] The vehicle was the second mass-produced hybrid on the American market, after the two-seat Honda Insight.^[13] While the larger Prius could seat five, its battery pack restricted cargo space.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car as a Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).^[14] Prius owners were eligible for up to a US$2,000 tax credit from their gross income.^[13] In contrast with the prior generation model, Toyota executives claimed that the company broke even financially on sales of the NHW11 Prius.^[13]

European sales began in September 2000.^[15] The official launch of the Prius in Australia occurred in 2001 after the Sydney Motor Show,^[16] although sales were slow until the NHW20 model arrived.

Toyota Prius (XW20)
Overview
Production	2003–2009 (North America, Japan) 2004–present (China, Europe)
Assembly	Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City) Kariya, Aichi, Japan (Fujimatsu) Changchun, Jilin, China (Chinese domestic market only)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door liftback

In 2004, the Prius was completely redesigned as a mid-size liftback, sized between the Corolla and the Camry, with redistributed mechanical and interior space significantly increasing rear-seat legroom and luggage room. The 2004 Prius is even more environmentally-friendly than the 2001 model (according to the EPA), and is 6 inches (150 mm) longer than the previous version.^[17] Its more aerodynamic Kammback body balances length and wind resistance resulting in a drag coefficient ( C_d) of 0.26.^[18] The development effort, led by chief engineer Shigeyuki Hori, led to 530 patents for the vehicle.^[19]

The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling, an industry first,^[20] and also adds an electric power steering system to further minimize engine belt-driven engine accessories. Combined with a smaller and lighter NiMH battery, the XW20 is more powerful and more efficient than the XW10.^[21] In the U.S., the battery pack of the 2004 Prius is warranted for 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years.^[22] The warranty for hybrid components in California and the seven Northeastern states that have adopted the stricter California emission control standards is 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years.

It is classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) and is certified by California Air Resources Board as an "Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle" (AT-PZEV).^[23]

From 2005 to 2009, the second generation Prius had been built by FAW-Toyota in the city of Changchun for the Chinese market.^[24] It was reported that a total of 2,152 Prius were sold in 2006 and 414 in 2007. The relatively low sales was blamed on high price, about US$15,000 higher than the equivalent in Japan or the U.S., caused by high duties on imported parts.^[25] In early March 2008, Toyota cut the price of Prius by up to eight percent or US$3,000 to CN¥259,800 (US$36,500). It was thought that the sales dropped as a result of both a lack of acceptance and increased competition. The Honda Civic Hybrid was exported to China from 2007.^[26]

Toyota Prius (XW30)
Overview
Production	Mar 2009–present
Model years	2010–present
Assembly	Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City)[27] Chachoengsao, Thailand (December 2010-present) Changchun, Jilin,China
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	5-door hatchback

Toyota debuted the new Prius (2010 US model year) at the January 2009 North American International Auto Show,^[28] and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009.^[29] Toyota cut the price of the Prius from ¥2.331 million to ¥2.05 million to better compete with the Honda Insight^[30], leading some to wonder whether increased sales of the Prius might come at the expense of sales of other vehicles with higher margins. Competition from lower priced hybrids, such as the Honda Insight, also made it difficult for Toyota to capitalize on the Prius's success.^[31] Its new body design is more aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 C_d. An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speeds.

The estimated fuel-efficiency rating, using the U.S. EPA combined cycle, is: 50 mpg_‑US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg_‑imp).^[32] The Prius was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available in the U.S. in 2009, based on the official rating.^[33] Only the first-generation Honda Insight (2000–2006) equipped with a manual transmission attained a lower fuel consumption rate. The official UK fuel efficiency data for the Prius T3 is: Urban 72.4 mpg_‑imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg_‑US), Extra Urban 76.4 mpg_‑imp (3.70 L/100 km; 63.6 mpg_‑US), Combined 72.4 mpg_‑imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg_‑US).^[34]

The 1.8-liter gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98 hp, and with the added power of the electric motor, generates a total of 134 hp (previously 110 hp). The larger engine displacement allows for increased torque, reducing engine speeds (RPM), which improves fuel economy at highway speeds. Thanks to its electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first consumer automotive production engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves its fuel economy.^[35] The electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient than the industry average.^[36] Toyota estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter. Disc brakes replace the previous rear drum brakes.

In constructing the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics, made out of cellulose derived from wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops used are kenaf and ramie. Kenaf is a member of the hibiscus family, a relative to cotton and okra; ramie, commonly known as China grass, is one of the strongest natural fibres, with a density and absorbency comparable to flax. Toyota says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which spotlights kenaf and ramie among others.^[37]

At the January 2011 North American International Auto Show, Toyota revealed the 2012 model year Prius v, an extended hatchback wagon, which features over 50 percent more interior cargo space than the original Prius design. Toyota also unveiled the Prius c concept, which in production form, is expected to be cheaper and smaller than the current Prius hatchback. Toyota expects the Prius v to go on sale in mid-late 2011, and a car based on the Prius c concept to enter production in the first half of 2012.^[38]

The Prius is sold in more than 70 countries and regions, and has its largest markets in the United States, Japan, and Europe.^[2] In May 2008, Toyota announced that its worldwide cumulative sales of the Prius had passed the 1 million mark;^[39] worldwide cumulative sales reached 2,012,000 units Prius in September 2010.^[2]

As of December 2009 the U.S. accounted for almost half of the Prius global sales, with 814,173 Prius units registered since 2000.^[4] However, Prius experienced two consecutive year over year sales decrease from its peak in 2007 to 139,682 units in 2009.^[40]

Cumulative Prius sales in Europe reach 100,000 in 2008 and 200,000 units by mid 2010, after 10 years on that market. The U.K. is one of the leading European markets for Prius, accounting more than 20 percent of all Prius sold in Europe.^[41] Toyota Prius became Japan's best selling vehicle in 2009 for the first time since its debut in 1997 as its sales almost tripled to 208,876 in 2009.^[42] In that year it overtook the Honda Fit, which was Japan's best-selling car in 2008 excluding Kei cars.

The Prius is a power-split or series-parallel (full) hybrid, sometimes referred to as a combined hybrid, a vehicle that can be propelled by gasoline and/or electric power.

When the vehicle is turned-on with the "start" button, it is ready to drive immediately with the electric motor, while electric pumps warm the engine with previously saved hot engine coolant^{[citation needed]}, before the internal combustion engine is started. The delay between starting the car and starting the internal combustion engine is approximately seven seconds. A button labelled "EV" maintains Electric Vehicle mode after start up and under most low-load driving conditions. This permits driving with low noise and no fuel consumption, and is advertised as a "quiet" option for short journeys, for example in residential areas at night, in the Asia manual.^{[citation needed]} The car automatically reverts to normal mode if the battery becomes exhausted. Prior to the 2010 model, the North American model did not have the "EV" button, although the "EV" mode is still supported internally by the Prius Hybrid Vehicle management computer.^{[citation needed]}

In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority, an independent body charged with policing the rules of the advertising industry, ruled that a television advert for the Toyota Prius should not be broadcast again in the same form, having breached rules concerning misleading advertising. The advert claimed the Prius "emits up to one tonne less CO₂ per year," while on-screen text included: "1 tonne of CO₂ less than an equivalent family vehicle with a diesel engine. Average calculated on 20,000 km a year." Points of contention were the vehicles chosen for comparison, whether "up to one tonne less" adequately communicated that reductions could be lower, and whether the distance used was appropriate: 20,000 km per year is around a U.S. car's average annual driving distance, while a UK car's is 13,440 km.^[44]

An earlier complaint to the New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority, decision 03/360 2003 was also upheld. It was ruled that Toyota was in breach of the New Zealand advertising standards code of ethics, by claiming "up to 89% fewer smog forming emissions”. The figure was based on comparison with Euro 3 standards, which most new cars also met comfortably at the time.^{[citation needed]}

The Prius uses electric motors in the hybrid propulsion systems, powered by a high voltage battery in the rear of the car. There has been some public concern over whether the levels of electromagnetic field exposure within the cabin are higher than comparable cars, and what health effects those fields may present, popularized by a 2008 New York Times article^[45]. However, Toyota^[45] and several independent studies^[46]have indicated that aside from a brief spike when accelerating, the electromagnetic fields within the Prius are no different than that of a conventional car, and do not exceed the ICNIRP^[47] exposure guidelines.

The British Government and British media have requested Toyota release detailed figures for the energy use and CO₂ emissions resulting from the building and disposal of the Prius. The UK Government Car Service runs 130 Priuses. Toyota has not supplied the detailed data they requested to support claims that the lifetime energy usage of the Prius (including the increased environmental cost of manufacture and disposal of the nickel-metal hydride battery) are outweighed by lower lifetime fuel consumption.^[48] Toyota states that lifetime CO₂ saving is 43 percent.

CNW Marketing Research initially published a study^[49] in which they estimated that the total lifetime energy cost of a Prius was greater than that of a Hummer. The study is widely cited, and its contents have also been widely challenged: see for example "Hummer versus Prius: 'Dust to Dust' Report Misleads the Media and Public with Bad Science."^[50] A recent update by CNW has changed the total lifetime cost value, now placing the Prius as costing less than the Hummer.

According to a study by Audatex, Prius repairs are slightly more expensive than those for comparable non-hybrid cars, with a greater cost difference in the past because of the lack of availability of recycled parts.^[51]

The large number of Prius-owning progressive celebrities in 2002 prompted the Washington Post to dub hybrids "Hollywood's latest politically correct status symbol."^[52] While conservative "Prius Patriots" were also cited in 2005,^[53] the vehicle carries an image as being a car for politically left-wing environmentalists. A 2007 San Francisco Chronicle article said "Prius Progressives" were becoming an archetype, quoting conservative U.S. pundit Rush Limbaugh opining that "these liberals think they're ahead of the game on these things, and they're just suckers."^[54]

Some conservatives promote use of the Toyota Prius and other hybrid cars. For example, Jim Road from What Would Jesus Drive? encouraged people to drive hybrid cars because of the damage that large SUVs and/or faster cars can do to others.^[55]

Former Central Intelligence Agency chief R. James Woolsey, Jr. drives a Prius because of its low fuel consumption. Woolsey noted the volatility of the Middle East, coupled with anti-US sentiment in much of the region. Noting that the high percentage of oil drilled in the Middle East gives vast profits to Middle Eastern regimes, Woolsey believes that it is a patriotic obligation to drive more efficient vehicles. In a Motor Trend magazine article, Woolsey claimed that those oil profits find their way to terrorist groups like al-Qaeda, meaning that Americans who buy inefficient vehicles would, in effect, be indirectly funding terrorism. "We're paying for both sides in this war, and that's not a good long-term strategy," said Woolsey. "I have a bumper sticker on the back of my Prius that reads, 'Bin Laden hates this car.'"^[56]

In 2004, industry analyst Art Spinella of CNW Marketing Research (CNWMR), whose skepticism towards hybrids is well known (see Lifetime energy usage), said "the Prius was a fashion statement," attributing its success over the Honda Civic Hybrid, which has a nearly identical appearance to its non-hybrid versions, to its distinctive styling, which lets "other people know the driver is driving a hybrid vehicle." However, others have noted that this conclusion ignores the superior technical design of the Prius.^[who?]

In July 2007 The New York Times^[57] published an article using data from CNW Marketing Research finding that 57% of Prius buyers said their main reason for buying was that "it makes a statement about me," while just 36% cited fuel economy as a prime motivator. Shortly afterwards Washington Post columnist Robert Samuelson coined the term "Prius politics" to describe a situation where the driver's desire to "show off" is a stronger motivator than the desire to curb greenhouse gas emissions.^[58]

The Wall Street Journal reported in February 2007 on concerns that quiet cars like the Prius may pose a safety risk to those who rely on engine noise to sense the presence or location of moving vehicles.^[59] Blind pedestrians are a primary concern, and the National Federation of the Blind advocates audio emitters on hybrid vehicles,^[60] but increased risks may also affect sighted pedestrians or bicyclists who are accustomed to aural cues from vehicles. However there is also a lack of aural cues from vehicles that have a conventional internal combustion engine, where engine noise has been reduced by noise absorbing materials in the engine bay and noise canceling muffler systems. In July 2007, a spokesman for Toyota said the company is aware of the issue and is studying options.^[61] Both State^[62] and Federal legislation^[63] have been proposed and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration held a public hearing.^[64] Different groups and companies are looking at solutions.^[65][66] In 2010, Toyota released a device for the third generation Prius meant to alert pedestrians of its proximity.^[67]

There have been a number of governments with incentives intended to encourage hybrid car sales. In some countries like the U.S. and Canada, some rebate incentives have been exhausted, while other countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands have various or alternative incentives to purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

Several U.S. companies offer employees incentives. Bank of America will reimburse US$3,000 on the purchase of new hybrid vehicles to full- and part-time associates working more than 20 hours per week.^[68] Google,^[69] software company Hyperion Solutions,^[70] and organic food and drink producer Clif Bar & Co^{[68][broken footnote]} offer employees a US$5,000 credit toward their purchase of certain hybrid vehicles including the Prius. Integrated Archive Systems, a Palo Alto IT company, offers a US$10,000 subsidy toward the purchase of hybrid vehicles to full-time employees employed more than one year.^{[68][broken footnote]}

Travelers Companies, a large insurance company, offers hybrid owners a 10% discount on auto insurance in most U.S. states.^[71] The Farmers Insurance Group offers a similar discount of up to 10% in most U.S. states.^{[68][broken footnote]}

• Chevrolet Volt
• Comparison of Toyota hybrids
• Fuel economy-maximizing behaviors
• Honda Insight
• Hybrid electric vehicle
• Hybrid Synergy Drive
• Hypermiler Driving (drivers who exceed EPA estimated MPG)
• List of hybrid vehicles
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Toyota eCom
• Toyota FT-CH Concept
• Toyota Prius Custom Plus Concept
• Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
• Toyota Prius V

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