Toyota’s
Prius Plug-in Hybrid has wasted no time in demonstrating its fuel-frugal
character, carrying off a class win in the 2011 RAC Future Car Challenge
on 5 November. It was the first outing for the production-ready car on
British roads ahead of its market launch next year and it marked its
debut with a 94.2mpg average fuel consumption over the 60-mile challenge
route from Brighton to London.
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Prius Plug-in
Hybrid delivers the “best of both worlds” in
terms of fuel efficiency and low emissions, and
an uncompromised driving range thanks to a
powertrain that features a high-capacity,
rechargeable lithium-ion battery and an
ultra-efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine with
intelligent valve timing – VVT-i. The advanced
battery technology allows the car to be driven
for around 14 miles on its electric power alone
– with no tailpipe emissions and zero fuel
consumption. Once Prius Plug-in Hybrid has
reached the limits of its electric range, it
switches seamlessly to its full hybrid system,
bringing the petrol engine into play. This means
the driver can avoid the range anxiety
associated with all-electric vehicles. |
Recharging the battery is quick
and simple, taking about 1.5
hours for a full charge. Toyota
demonstration programmes for the
plug-in hybrid technology,
including one in progress in
London with EDF Energy and fleet
operators from the public and
private sector, have already
produced real-world data that
show the benefits it can deliver
in terms of reduced emissions
and lower fuel consumption.
Toyota anticipates CO2
emissions below 50g/km and
combined cycle fuel economy of
134.5mpg for the production
version.
The RAC Future Car Challenge also gave
Toyota the opportunity to once again show its FCHV-adv hydrogen fuel
cell vehicle on the road. Producing no other emissions than water from
its power system, it demonstrated technology of the near-future: Toyota
is due to bring its fuel cell hybrid technology to the market in 2015.
