Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a car of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, in which a Hybrid Synergy Drive called gasoline / electric hybrid drive is used.

The first generation of this vehicle was in Japan at the end of 1997 the market and was located in the market segment of the compact class. The larger and designed with Hatchback second generation was introduced in late 2003 and belongs to the lower middle class. Since the spring of 2009, he is sold in the third generation of models worldwide.

The Toyota Prius was the first mass-production model with built-in hybrid engine.

• 2.3.1 facelift

• 4.1 Awards
• 4.2 CNW Dust to Dust
• 4.3 TÜV - defect rate

Hybrid technology

By the combination of a gasoline engine with two electric motors, a low fuel consumption is achieved in combination with a streamlined body shape. According to factory specifications in 2004 was the standard consumption in the European driving cycle on the Prius II with 4.3 liters of premium petrol and the Prius III of 2009 at 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers. In everyday use, the consumption, however, can - depending on application and driving style - are significantly higher.

Unlike pure electric cars, the Prius relates electrical energy only in the plug-in versions from the mains. The nickel -metal hydride battery while driving through the generator from the engine and by regenerative braking, ie through energy recovery during braking and overrun mode, loaded. The charge state of the battery and the energy flow are automatically displayed on a central display. In order to ensure a long battery life, it is not fully loaded yet fully discharged.

Hybrid cars like the Prius have an automatic energy management system, which automatically decides which engine is when used: At start up and at low acceleration of the vehicle and when reversing the Prius once the engine has reached the required operating temperature and as long as the state of charge the battery allows only driven by the electric motors. He has no petrol consumption in these phases. In stop-and -go traffic, the gasoline engine is usually started to accelerate, automatically switched off again as soon as the gas is removed. The automatic switching off the petrol engine is usually whenever the gas is removed, so when going downhill, with braking or coasting. Only when the battery charge level falls below a certain minimum level, the gasoline engine is not switched off in these phases. The purely electric range when the gasoline engine is shut off manually, is at full battery up to two kilometers at 50 km / h or four km at 25 km / h With the help of Ni -MH batteries on the Prius, the internal combustion engine without sacrificing comfort always be switched off, if he had to be operated with low efficiency, so with little or no load requirement (idle).

The Prius has a partial drive-by- wire control: The electro-hydraulic brake, the selector lever for the drive mode and the accelerator pedal are controlled completely electronically. Still exists for the brakes a hydraulic emergency system in the event that the vehicle electrical failure. In addition, all secondary consumers are driven electrically, so air conditioning with variable speed, the electric power steering and an additional electric water pump. This is necessary because these aggregates are also required when driving with engine off. A conventional alternator is not required Prius as both electric drive motors may act as a generator; up to and including the Prius II built V-belt drive only on the main water pump. The Prius III has no strap, which have more power dissipation compared to gears.

On the battery and the other components of the hybrid drive Toyota Prius granted when the second generation a warranty of eight years or 160,000 km mileage. For available from June 2009 Prius the third generation of five years or 100,000 km for the hybrid drive, in the United States continue the previous warranty terms in Germany, however.

Models

The first-generation Prius ( NHW10 ) was taken in late 1997 in Japan on the market. The first generation models are also referred to as Prius I, while the direct successor NHW20 is called Prius II. All generations differ in the used components of the hybrid technology.

Prius I ( NHW10/NHW11, 1997-2003)

Toyota Prius (1997-2003)

In December of 1997, sales of the first generation of the Toyota Prius in Japan began. The gasoline engine had an output of 43 kW ( 58 hp), the electric motor 30 kW (40 hp). The battery was an assembly that filled the width of the car and still consisted of conventional round battery cells. The Toyota Prius was the first mass-production model with hybrid drive.

Mid-2000 was introduced a revised version of the Prius ( NHW11 ), which was also marketed outside of Japan.

The exterior was changed only slightly. For example, the trunk lid was fitted with a spoiler as a spoiler. The output of the gasoline engine 53 kW ( 72 hp ), which the electric motor at 33 kW ( 44 hp) enhanced. Likewise, the energy capacity of the searchlight with new specially designed flat-cell nickel -metal hydride battery has been increased to improve the efficiency of the THS.

The standard consumption according to factory specification of 5.1 liters of premium petrol per 100 km. In the U.S., a flexible, synthetic bubble was integrated in the fuel tank of the Prius, which adapts to the gasoline volume. This will minimize the entrapment of air in the tank and thus fuel evaporations which escape during refueling. This is not necessary in Europe, since the gasoline vapors from escaping here due to the gas recirculation and gas displacement system used.

Prius II ( NHW20 2003-2009 )

Toyota Prius (2003-2009)

End of 2003, a new Prius, which differed both in appearance and in the technology of its predecessors. The headlights have moved upward, the rear was converted into a hatchback. The THS is marketed as the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD ) THS- II yielded. In autumn 2005, a discreet facelift was performed.

The products marketed in the U.S. Prius differs in technical details about the model available in the rest of the world. So this with a CHSS (English abbreviation for Coolant Heat Storage System ) is equipped. Before starting the gasoline engine is warmed by the warm cooling water held in memory, so that the emission rich warm-up period is shortened. Due to the vapor recovery and vapor return system is not used in the U.S., the fuel tank is equipped like the NHW11 with a flexible bladder, minimizes evaporative emissions. The U.S. models are equipped with drum brakes on the rear wheels, which are sufficient for the limited top speed. The European Prius can switch to EV mode, in which the car is moved solely by means of electrical energy from the NiMH battery.

The gasoline engine works with valve control times at which the inlet valves close very late and thus a part of the mixture is transported back into the intake tract. Therefore, the motor can be operated with normal premium gasoline despite a mechanical compression ratio of 13:1. The Atkinson cycle said method increases the efficiency.

Prius has a power split transmission, in which a planetary gear, the forces of the gasoline engine and the electric motor is distributed to the front wheels. The crankshaft of the gasoline engine drives the web. The gear ratio and thus the speed of the gasoline engine is controlled purely electrically and completely continuously with the help of the generator and the electric motor. The acceleration behavior therefore corresponds to a car with a continuously variable transmission (CVT ).

In addition to visual changes, altered tuning and a stiffer frame construction of the rear view camera with parking assist option was introduced with the facelift of the model year 2006.

Consumption test

The standard consumption for the Prius II is, according to factory specifications 4.3 liters of premium unleaded petrol per 100 km of track, this has a CO ₂ emissions of 104 g / km to the result. In the so-called " CO ₂ Marathon" ADAC identified a practice consumption of 5.8 l/100 km, which is a CO ₂ emissions of 136 g / km means by which he performed best with respect to CO ₂ efficiency.

The measured in " Ecotest " on the ADAC test CO ₂ emission was 119 g / km, the consumption was 5.02 l/100 km. The combustion of one liter of gasoline produces about 2360 g CO ₂.

Prius III ( ZVW30, since 2009)

Toyota Prius (2009-2012)

As part of the North American International Auto Show in January 2009, Toyota introduced the third generation of the Toyota Prius. This came on 18 May 2009 on the Japanese market. By February 2010, more than 300,000 copies have been sold in more than 60 countries. In Japan, 2009 was the best-selling vehicle.

The hybrid system was redesigned to 90 percent, which makes it is easier to 20 percent. The total weight of the vehicle is, however - depending on the selected equipment - about 70 kg above the predecessor. Toyota justifies this with changes to the bodywork to improve crash safety. Electrical and electronic components were newly developed. Equipped with a new cooling system voltage transformer became easier and improves the efficiency of the power electronics.

The newly designed 4- stroke engine (type 2ZR - FXE ) will continue to operate in the Atkinson cycle and provides instead of the previous 58 kW 73 kW now what one of 82 kW to 100 kW ( about 136 hp) gives increased system performance. By increasing the displacement to 1.8 liters, the engine speed level and, thus, consumption was reduced especially at higher speeds. The exhaust heat is used to heat the engine coolant, thereby reducing the duration of the cold start phase and thus the fuel consumption. The engine has no V-belt, and the cooling water pump is electrically driven.

The vehicle mainly driving electric motor MG 2 makes instead of the previous 50 kW 60 kW and was now easier. The torque of this electric motor was reduced from 400 to 207 Nm; However, the speed level is doubled and the electric motor equipped with an integrated reduction gear. There are four driving modes available: pure electric, standard, Eco and Power.

The design was changed only modest, so that the Prius still is recognizable at first glance. The body provides the Fund passengers including through transformation of the seat backs and the roof line more space. A modified form of the Ni -MH batteries enlarges the trunk. Wheelbase and height of the vehicle have remained unchanged. Improvements to the aerodynamics have been achieved, including through the underbody paneling.

In conjunction with the newly developed hybrid system, despite the performance increase of the average fuel consumption in U.S. consumption cycle from previously 5.1 l/100 km to 4.7 l/100 km could (50 MPG) can be reduced. Consumption in the " New European Driving Cycle " (NEDC ) is 3.9 l/100 km (urban: 3.9 l, extra-urban: 3.7 l).

As an option for the Prius ZVW30 a solar sunroof available. It allows for ventilation of the stationary vehicle in bright sunlight without the hybrid system must be turned on.

In February 2010, Toyota has ever built Prius models of the third series for the software update of the anti -lock brake system recalled in the workshops. With only light pressure on the brake pedal while driving on rough or slippery surfaces in a speed range between 3 and 6 km / h had the control system problems, to choose between the use of anti-lock braking system and brake energy recovery, whereby the brake effect immediately in order to 0.2 second could.

Facelift

On 21 April 2012, the launch of the Prius was revised.

As part of the facelift of the lower air intake has been enlarged at the front and changed the tail lights. On the technical side, there were in suspension and steering changes, the body stiffness has been increased and improved insulation.

Prius PHV

Toyota presented at the IAA in Frankfurt in September 2009, based on the third generation of the Prius plug-in full hybrid variant, the Prius PHV. According to the manufacturer, he achieved in pure electric drive 100 km / h top speed and has a range of 20 km, in Mixed mode, the maximum speed is 180 km / h and the range at over 1000 km. The battery capacity has been increased from 1.3 to 5.2 kWh, which also increases the vehicle weight by 140 kg 1490 kg. The charging time to a 230 V outlet is 1.5 hours. The consumption is given as 2.6 l/100 km, which corresponds to 59 g CO ₂ / km.

2010 Toyota initiated so that a leasing project with over 600 vehicles worldwide, including about 200 in Europe (of which turn 20 in Germany ) and in a large-scale experiment in Strasbourg (100 Prius PHV, 150 charging stations ). The series introduction took place in October 2012.

Prius

On 16 May 2011, Toyota launched in Japan selling the Prius , a family sedan with up to seven seats and hybrid drive, the first to be used in large-scale lithium -ion batteries in the Hybrid Synergy Drive. In the United States he was from late summer 2011 under the name " Prius V" ( V = Versatility ) at the dealership. In Europe it is sold since June 16, 2012 under the name " Prius ".

Conversions

The company A123Systems offers an additional battery pack, which increases the attainable range of all-electric Prius. The manufacturer of this lithium iron phosphate battery packs are available for this product has a capacity of 5 kWh, with a charging time of 5.5 hours and a weight of 180 pounds ( about 82 kg) to.

In April 2009, Spiegel Online reports on a Prius conversion of the Dutch company TTD with extra battery packs and modified control electronics for plug -in hybrid. Thus, the Prius can be operated fully electrically at a range of around 60 km. The conversion is primarily aimed at corporate customers.

The US-based company also offers Enginer conversion kits for the Prius. Prices start it at $ 1995 for the 2- kWh kit and end at U.S. $ 5495 for the 8- kWh kit. Alternatively, the conversion kits can also order from the English company Plugin Planet and assemble. The price range will move from £ 1695 for the 2- kWh kit up to £ 4,495 for the 8- kWh kit for mounting is estimated 395 pounds.

In the U.S., a conversion kit is available with a solar roof for the Prius II by the company Solar Electrical Vehicles. In good weather, can thus be extended by up to 30 miles per day, the range of the vehicle.

Media

Awards

• " International Engine of the Year " 2004, 2005 and 2006
• " Best New Engine " 2004
• "Best use " 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
• "Best 1.4 - to 1.8 - liter engine " in 2004 and 2005
• "Winner in ADAC Eco Test " 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 ** With 89 out of 90 possible points, the Toyota Prius by ADAC, Germany was elected the fifth consecutive year of Europe 's most environmentally friendly automobile.
• For 2005, the Prius was voted Car of the Year.
• In the reviews 2004/2005 bis 2011/2012 eight times in a row on one of the first two courses in the Car Environment list of VCD.
• Together with the Volvo V70 Bifuel greenest car in the FIA EcoTest 2006.
• In April 2007, was among others, the Prius from the Traffic Club Germany (VCD), as part of the purchase advice for climate-friendly cars ( category " Status"), is recommended.
• Twice "The car with the highest customer satisfaction," JD Power Report 2007 and 2008
• Winner of the " Green Engine of the Year Award" 2008, 2010
• Winner of the best automotive environmental novelty of the Year 2009 " Green Steering Wheel"

CNW Dust to Dust

In a study by the U.S. market research firm CNW from 2005, which has the so-called "social energy costs" of automobiles investigated the claim is made, for example, that the SUV Hummer H2 in the overall balance of the " energy cost " despite the significantly higher fuel consumption better -performing than the Toyota Prius. The reason given is that the fuel efficiency of the Prius would scarcely used because the vehicle serves only as an environmental prestige second car next to an above-average first car and inefficient contrast, all other aspects of these vehicles would be much more expensive.

This result has been widely criticized and undermined the credibility of the calculations in question, as in LCA for Car usually the fuel consumption represents a major part of the total energy consumption.

Participate defect rate

After evaluation of 3.1 million inspections won in 2011, as last year, the Toyota Prius. Of all the examined three year old vehicles, the Prius had the lowest defect rate of 1.9%.

Others

In Cologne there was 2010 a public debate about whether the Prius was too small to drive the four deputy mayor by chauffeur from appointment to appointment. After this debate attracted nationwide attention, decided Cologne Mayor Jürgen Roters (SPD ), the Prius is not too small.