Toyota Prius.doc

Toyota Prius From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search Toyota PriusManufacturerToyotaProduction1997presentClassCompact car (19972003)Mid-size car (2003present)LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel driveThe Toyota Prius (/pris/; Toyotas declared plural: Prii,1 /pria/) is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan 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 emissions.2The 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 the United States.3 In May 2008, global cumulative Prius sales reached the milestone 1million vehicle mark,4 the 2million milestone was reached in September 2010,3 and a total of 2.5million Prii have been sold worldwide as of February 2012.5 Cumulative sales of 1million Prii were achieved in the U.S. by early April 2011,6 and Japan reached the 1million mark in August 2011.7 Since its launch in 2009, the third-generation model has sold more than 1million units worldwide by September 2011.8In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius v, an extended hatchback wagon, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid was released in 2012.Contentshide 1 Etymology and terminology 2 First generation (XW10; 19972003) 3 Second generation (XW20; 20032009) o 3.1 Safety o 3.2 Crash testing results 4 Third generation (XW30; 2009present) o 4.1 Safety o 4.2 2011 facelift 5 Prius family o 5.1 Prius v o 5.2 Prius c o 5.3 Prius plug-in hybrid 6 Sales 7 Design and technology o 7.1 EV mode o 7.2 Battery o 7.3 Battery life cycle 8 Environmental impact o 8.1 Fuel economy and emissions o 8.2 Lifetime energy usage o 8.3 Electromagnetic field levels o 8.4 Quietness 9 Marketing and culture o 9.1 CO2 advertising o 9.2 Political symbolism 10 Government and corporate incentives 11 See also 12 Notes and references 13 External links edit Etymology and terminologyPrius is a Latin word meaning before. According to Toyota, the name was chosen because the Prius was launched before environmental awareness became a mainstream social issue.9In February 2011, Toyota asked the public to decide on what the most proper plural form of Prius should be, with choices including Prien, Prii, Prium, Prius, or Priuses.1011 The company says it will use the most popular choice in its advertising12 and on February 20 announced that Prii was the most popular choice, and the new official plural designation.1 In Latin prius is the neuter singular of the comparative form (prior, prior, prius) of an adjective with only comparative and superlative (the superlative being primus, prima, primum), consequently, like all 3rd declension words, the plural in Latin was priora (cf. Latin declension) which was used by the Lada Priora in 2007.Beginning in September 2011, Toyota USA began using the following names to differentiate the original Prius from some newer members of the Prius family: the standard Prius became the Prius Liftback, the Prius v (known as the Prius in Japan, and Prius + in Europe), the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the Prius c (called Toyota Aqua in Japan).1314 edit First generation (XW10; 19972003)Main article: Toyota Prius (XW10)Toyota Prius (XW10)Production19972001 (NHW10)20012003 (NHW11)AssemblyTakaoka, later Toyota City (Motomachi), Japan15Body style4-door sedanIn 1995, Toyota debuted a hybrid concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, with testing following a year later.16 The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale on December 10, 1997.1718 It was available only in Japan, though it has been imported privately to at least the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.19 The first generation Prius, at its launch, became the worlds 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.18In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between the smaller Corolla and the larger Camry. The published retail price of the car was US$19,995.20 The NHW11 Prius became more powerful partly to satisfy the higher speeds and longer distances that Americans drive.21 Air conditioning and electric power steering were standard equipment.22 The vehicle was the second mass-produced hybrid on the American market, after the two-seat Honda Insight.23 While the larger Prius could seat five, its battery pack restricted cargo space.The California Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car with an air pollution score of 3 out of 10 as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).24 Prius owners were eligible for up to a US$2,000 federal tax deduction from their gross income.23 In contrast with the NW10, Toyota executives stated that the company broke even financially on sales of the NHW11 Prius.23European sales began in September 2000.25 The official launch of the Prius in Australia occurred at the October 2001 Sydney Motor Show,26 although sales were slow until the NHW20 model arrived.edit Second generation (XW20; 20032009)Main article: Toyota Prius (XW20)Toyota Prius (XW20)Production20032009 (Japan)2004present (China)AssemblyTsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City)Kariya, Aichi, Japan (Fujimatsu)Changchun, Jilin, ChinaIn 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 (150mm) longer than the previous version.27 Its more aerodynamic Kammback body balances length and wind resistance, resulting in Cd=0.26.28 The development effort, led by chief engineer Shigeyuki Hori, led to 530 patents for the vehicle.29The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling, an industry first.30 Combined with a smaller and lighter NiMH battery, the XW20 is more powerful and more efficient than the XW10.31 In the U.S., the battery pack of 2004 and later models is warranted for 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years in states that have adopted the stricter California emissions control standards, and 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years elsewhere.3233 The warranty for hybrid components is 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years.34It 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).35From 2005 to 2009, the second generation Prius had been built by FAW-Toyota in the city of Changchun for the Chinese market.36 It was reported that a total of 2,152 Priuses 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.37 In early March 2008, Toyota cut the price of Prius by up to eight percent or US$3,000 to CN259,800 (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 2007.38edit Safetyedit Crash testing resultsU.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash testing of the 2004 US model year Prius yielded a five-star driver and four-star passenger rating in the frontal-collision test (out of five stars). Side crash results were four out of five stars for both front and rear seats. The car scored four out of five stars in rollover testing.39Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests score the Prius Good overall in frontal collisions and Good overall in side-impact collisions in models equipped with side airbags.40 A Poor score is given to models without side airbags.41 Side curtain and torso airbags became standard on 2007 American models.In 2004, EuroNCAP tested the Prius. It earned the following ratings: Adult Occupant: Child Occupant: Pedestrian: .42edit Third generation (XW30; 2009present)Main article: Toyota Prius (XW30)Toyota Prius (XW30)ProductionMarch 2009presentModel years2010presentAssemblyTsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City)43Chachoengsao, Thailand (December 2010-present)Changchun, Jilin, ChinaClassMid-size carBody style5-door liftbackToyota debuted the new Prius (2010 US model year) at the January 2009 North American International Auto Show,44 and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009.45 Toyota cut the price of the Prius from 2.331 million to 2.05 million to better compete with the Honda Insight,46 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 Priuss success.47 Its new body design is more aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to Cd=0.25. This figure is disputed by General Motors which found the value for the model with 17 wheels to be around 0.30 based on tests in GM, Ford, and Chrysler wind tunnels.48 An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speedsThe estimated fuel-efficiency rating, using the U.S. EPA combined cycle, is 50mpg-US (4.7L/100km; 60mpg-imp).49 The Prius was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available in the U.S. in 2009, based on the official rating.50 Only the first-generation Honda Insight (20002006) equipped with a manual transmission attained a lower fuel consumption rate. The official UK fuel efficiency data for the Prius T3 is Urban 72.4mpg-imp (3.90L/100km; 60.3mpg-US), Extra Urban 76.4mpg-imp (3.70L/100km; 63.6mpg-US), Combined 72.4mpg-imp (3.90L/100km; 60.3mpg-US).51The 1.8-liter gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98hp, and with the added power of the electric motor generates a total of 134hp (previously 110hp). 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.52 The electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient than the industry average.53 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 a member of the nettle family and 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.54edit SafetyThe IIHS rated the 2010 Prius as Good except for side-impact structure/safety cage, which was rated Acceptable.55 In EuroNCAP testing, the Prius was given an overall rating of five out of five stars, and rated 88 percent for adult occupant protection, 82 percent for child occupant, 68 percent for pedestrian, and 86 percent for safety assist.56edit 2011 faceliftFacelifted Prius third generation exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor ShowIn mid 2011 (for the 2012 model year), the third-generation Prius Liftback receives modest style and equipment changes. The exterior changes include updated headlamps, revised tail lamps, plus a distinctive front fascia and bumper. The Prius can be equipped with an updated infotainment system featuring the optional Toyota Entune suite of connectivity features. Other updates include a 6.1-inch touch-screen, AM/FM CD player unit, a USB port for iPod connectivity, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and streaming audio. The Prius also includes a solar panel on the roof of the car, which can only provide enough power to run the ventilation fan while the car is parked, to keep the interior cooler in sunny warm conditions. For the U.S. market only the Prius Two, Three, Four and Five will be offered. The premium Prius Five models Advanced Technology Package includes the Premium HDD Navigation System, plus the Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Keep Assist. The Pre-Collision System retracts the front seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when it determines that a crash is unavoidable. Lane Keep Assist can help the driver stay within the lane.13 The U.S. 2012 model year includes Toyotas Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS), which is designed to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of the vehicles presence due to significant noise reduction typical of a hybrid vehicle traveling at low speeds in all-electric mode.5758edit Prius familyedit Prius vThe standard Prius with the Priusv, named Prius Alpha in Japan and Prius + in Europe.Main article: Toyota Prius vAt the January 2011 North American International Auto Show, Toyota revealed the 2012 model year Prius v, an extended hatchback wagon, which is derived from the third-generation Prius and features over 50 percent more interior cargo space than the original Prius design.In May 2011 Toyota introduced the Prius Alpha in Japan, which is available in a five-seat, two-row model and a seven-seat, three-row model, the latters third row enabled by a space-saving lithium-ion drive battery in the center console. The five-seat model uses a NiMH battery pack.5960 The Alpha is the basis for the five-seat Prius v launched in North America in October 2011 with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack similar to the 2010 model year Prius, and with two rows of seats to accommodate five passengers. The European and Japanese versions will be offered with a lithium-ion battery, with three rows of seats with accommodations for seven passengers.61 The European version, named Prius +, is scheduled to be launched by mid 2012.59edit Prius cThe Prius c was launched in the U.S. in March 2012, and in December 2011 in Japan as the Toyota Aqua.Main article: Toyota Prius cToyota unveiled the Prius c concept at the January 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Prius c has a lower list price and is smaller than the current Prius hatchback. The production version was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show as the Toyota Aqua, and was launched in Japan in December 2011.62 The Prius c was released in the U.S. in March 2012,63 and is scheduled to be released in Australia during the first quarter of 2012.64Initial demand has been high both in Japan and the United States, and the Aqua/Prius c is expected to be in short supply until Toyota increases production capacity.6566edit Prius plug-in hybrid2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor ShowMain article: Toyota Prius Plug-in HybridThe Prius Plug-in Hybrid (ZVW35) is based on a third generation Toyota Prius (model ZVW30) with a 4.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that allows an all-electric range of 14.3mi (23km).8 A global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars began in late 2009 and took place in Japan, Europe, Canada, China,Australia, New Zealand and the United States.676869The production version was unveiled at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and sales were scheduled to begin in Japan and Europe by early 2012.8 Deliveries began in the U.S. in late February 201270 and the car is initially offered only in 14 states.71 Toyota announced that initially it expects to sell 15,000 units a year in the U.S., and retail sales price in that country starts at US$32,000 before any applicable government incentives.72edit SalesThe Prius is sold in more than 70 countries and regions, and has its largest markets in the United States, Japan, and Europe.3 In May 2008, Toyota announced that its worldwide cumulative sales of the Prius had passed the 1 million mark;73 worldwide cumulative sales surpassed 2 million units in September 2010.3 As of February 2012, a total of 2.5 million Prius have been sold worldwide.5As of April 2011 the U.S. accounted for almost half of the Prius global sales, with one million Prii sold since 2000.6 However, the Prius experienced two consecutive years of sales decreases from its peak in 2007 to 139,682 units in 2009,74 and rebounded in 2010 to 140,928 units.75 Sales in Japan reached 1million Prii in August 2011.7Cumulative 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 tha