Photo: Toyota
Since Toyota introduced its first Prius hybrid about twenty years ago, a lot of good things happened, especially for the environment. With over 5 million Toyota and Lexus hybrid models sold so far, the Japanese automaker has spared the atmosphere of 34 million tons of CO2, the equivalent of not selling 4.8 million standard gasoline-powered vehicles.
And things are looking even better for the future. Seeing the evolution of the Prius model, its mileage got improved with roughly 10 mpg (4.2 km/l) for each generation, the current one achieving 50 mpg (4.7 l/100 km).
Toyota Motor Corporation’s managing officer Satoshi Ogiso recently said that the upcoming Prius model, expected to be released in 2015, will boost its mileage to 55 mpg (4.2 l/100 km).
"The current Prius has held America's fuel economy crown for many years," said Ogiso. "In its three generations, Prius MPG has improved on average by about 10 percent, each generation. The challenge to continue to improve at this rate -- to beat your own record -- becomes very difficult, but makes it all the more motivating. We are very motivated to beat our record."
This will be achieved by using improved batteries with higher energy density as well as a more efficient gasoline engine, that will achieve a thermal efficiency of 40 percent - a world best. The next Prius will also use Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), featuring a lower center of gravity and increased structural rigidity that will improve driving dynamics.
Toyota Motor Corporation’s managing officer Satoshi Ogiso recently said that the upcoming Prius model, expected to be released in 2015, will boost its mileage to 55 mpg (4.2 l/100 km).
"The current Prius has held America's fuel economy crown for many years," said Ogiso. "In its three generations, Prius MPG has improved on average by about 10 percent, each generation. The challenge to continue to improve at this rate -- to beat your own record -- becomes very difficult, but makes it all the more motivating. We are very motivated to beat our record."
This will be achieved by using improved batteries with higher energy density as well as a more efficient gasoline engine, that will achieve a thermal efficiency of 40 percent - a world best. The next Prius will also use Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), featuring a lower center of gravity and increased structural rigidity that will improve driving dynamics.
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