Ford and General Motors are Rushing in to Supply Booming Hybrid Market
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| The Prius is the most popular gas-electric hybrid on the planet. (Photo: Toyota) |
World, meet Prius. Nineteen ninety-seven was the year Toyota introduced the globe to what would be its first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius. It became available in North America in 2000 as a 2001 model. What's special about hybrids is there ability to derive power from both gasoline and electricity. The Prius never needs the juice of an electric socket as its exceptionally low-emissions gasoline engine 'reboots' the onboard battery pack when needed. The engine automatically shuts off when it stops to save gas. In addition, the hybrid does not cause pollution while idling in traffic because the engine shuts off. It restarts automatically when summoned.
Because of breakthrough technology the 5-seat Prius is EPA rated at 4.5 L/100 km (52 mpg) in the city and 5.2 L/100 km (45 mpg) on the highway. The EPA deemed the Prius as the only hybrid with the title "Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle" (SULEV). The only thing cleaner is an all-electric or hydrogen powered zero-emissions vehicle.
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| The Toyota's unique interior includes an LCD display that shows the flow of energy, from combustion engine to battery, battery to electric motor, regenerative brakes to battery, etc. It's an impressive accessory. (Photo: Toyota) |
Globally, about 100,000 Prius sedans have been sold, and its popularity is rising. Despite Honda's two models Toyota today makes nine out of ten hybrid vehicles on the road, partially to do with fleet vehicle plans.
One area where the gas-electric vehicles are flourishing is in Texas. Fourteen cities in the State of Texas including, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio are truly attempting to reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality. The state has employed 118 Prius models on the road as fleet vehicles. Tom Garner, Gulf States Toyota fleet sales manager commented that, "the city leaders of Texas are looking for fleet vehicles that will not only be appropriate city-driving cars but will also save on gas and protect the environment. The Prius meets all these requirements."