This is the first Prius to have a lithium battery, and the fuel efficiency and emissions benefits from the increased electric- only range are obvious. The “plug in” feature allows external charging as well as from the hybrid motor, another new addition to the brand.

In design terms, the Prius Plug-In is a true car of its times. The plug-in hybrid is a necessary step in the current vehicle market, which isn’t really geared to taking electric cars yet, and where drivers need the hybrid options. The new Prius even has a seamless switchover to petrol when the battery charge runs out.

In fairness to Toyota’s environmental efforts, the low emissions from the petrol mode (41g CO2 per km) are actually well below several of their major competitors. Petrol mode is about 50 miles per gallon, in US measurements, which is said to make the Prius the most fuel efficient car on the market.

Toyota is obviously looking at covering all options. This is a four cylinder car, and the fact that the Prius Plug-In being in the major is urban retail bandwidth market for family cars is unlikely to be a coincidence. Toyota has taken an interesting approach to its marketing of the new car, projecting production runs of “tens of thousands” by 2012.

This market approach looks like a monitored, phased introduction of the hybrids into established markets. That could be very good news for car buyers, because the likelihood is that the big production runs will reduce retail prices.

The Prius Plug-In is showing all the signs of a typical Prius car, incorporating new features, and expanding the range of the brand. So far that’s meant a series of steps in development, with new technologies and design concepts being regularly added to a proven vehicle.

For those who don’t know the manufacturing process, this is very good professional design and manufacturing technique. A reliable vehicle design is priceless to manufacturers. They build and develop off this basic design concept, enhancing it and testing new ideas. This allows designers and manufacturers to work with known factors, and reduces costs considerably. The result is a designer’s joy and a motorist’s dream. Most of the best loved brands on the road today are a result of that type of design scenario.

The result is a great, all-round vehicle, a perfect platform for design and a market winner. That’s exactly what the new Prius is looking like, a full spectrum design concept with plenty of room for add-ons. The Prius is a well known hybrid brand, with both market appeal and performance. A new Prius will naturally get a lot of market attention, and the Prius Plug-In is certainly doing that.

“Already in its second generation when most manufacturers have yet to introduce their first hybrids, the Prius represents the engineering might of Toyota and perhaps the future of gasoline-powered automobiles.” on Automobile Magazine

“For those who want their car to serve as a green badge of commitment, the Prius is still the answer.” on Car and Driver

“I have to admit, this might just be the most impressive vehicle I have ever driven.” on Automobile.com

“On the whole the Prius is so proficient for its price that it should no longer be categorized as a quirky, alternative-fuel vehicle, but as an above-average mass-market sedan that just happens to have some extra brains under the hood.” on U.S. News

Generally, buying used hybrid cars are no different than buying regular or conventional cars. There are certain things one must look into first. Start by selecting a choice of model year and make. Does one on your list have more problems than the other? If yes, what are the problems? And can they be easily solved? Or is it less encouraging to buy? The most common thing to do will be to look up different websites or magazine and read up on as many reviews as you can about the car make and model you had in mind. What common complaints do owners of that particular car have? This will help prepare you when inspecting the car for yourself.

Secondly, check the physical aspects of the car when selecting. Test to see if the odometer is reading and what is the reading. Has this specific car been in accident? If yes, how many were major ones? It is better and recommended that you purchase used cars from certified dealer (dealer that is authorized for that vehicle make).

Now for the main focus.

When it comes to buying used hybrid cars, the main concern should be the batteries. Here is where sufficient homework is needed to be done – do your own research! Different manufacturers may offer different warranties in comparison. And the warranties are often accurate implications of how long the battery is expected to last. If it is still under warranty, then rest assured you most likely won’t need to spend on a replacement battery until the warranty is well expired. Current costs of replacing hybrid batteries range from $2000 – $3000. These figures are naturally expected to reduce as the number of on-road hybrid cars increase and battery technology improves.

Be sure to check other important components of the car as well for warranties (not just the batteries). You could also seek auto shops’ to inspect the hybrid.

Mileage – another vital aspect to look into. Basically, buying any used cars with lower mileage is better than having bought cars with higher mileage simply because lower mileage means that there are less wear and tear (especially on the hybrid’s components). Take not that most hybrid cars especially the first batch (2000 makes) have exceeded 100,000 miles. So far hybrid cars have been as reliable as non-hybrid cars if not more, any problems would have been corrected by the manufacturers for later hybrid production batches.

Air filter of the vehicle needs to be changed once every six months. It is the lungs of the car so be sure to check the air filter of the hybrid during inspection. And ensure that you continue to maintain it after purchase, not point in buying the right car but not maintaining it the right way.

Inverter coolant should also be inspected because under normal circumstances, it is expected to be replaced at the 30,000 mile service. Sometimes you can inspect this by looking at the car’s service receipt. If you can’t tell that it has been recently replaced, replace it!

Finally, it is often that the importance of the owner’s manual is overlooked, read it! You’ll never know what you find out that could prove helpful should the situation arise!

Hybrids or any other car for that matter requires a minimum six months break in period (approximately 5,000 miles or more) before being able to achieve the maximum mpg’s (peak). After the break-in period, there are few tips to ensure maximum mileage:

When to Drive
First of all, try to get as many things or errands done in one attempt. And avoid rush-hour traffic – traffic congestions means lots of stopping, which means a waste of energy. Secondly, it is unavoidable that the first 5 – 10 minutes of driving gives the worst mileage. Avoid driving on rainy or snowy conditions.

Route Selection
Speed is the key. The most suitable routes for better mileage are distances without stops, and speed limits of 30-35 mph. Hills should not be a concern though, as the downhill stretches enables regenerative braking to recharge the batteries.

Wind is also the key. Select routes that are less windy because the hybrid’s aerodynamics is only streamlined for head-on gusts, side winds may affect the mpg. Tail winds on the other hand are great.

Tire Pressure
Generally the maximum tire pressure will maximize mileage (Do not use the recommended tire pressure). Do some research to determine the maximum tire pressure and maintain it, checking it regularly and try not to let the pressure fall below maximum level.

Fuels
High octane gasoline actually provides less energy. Low octane gasoline is the best. There is slightly less energy in a gallon of high octane fuel, than low octane. If the engine is designed for high octane then higher octane fuel will result in higher performance (with full-open throttle), but not necessarily fuel cost savings, since the high-octane is only needed with the throttle fully open.

On The Drive – Acceleration
Never attempt to reach 60 mph as fast as possible because the hybrid is not designed as a maximum acceleration sport car. Accelerate moderately by feel, let the car accelerate smoothly.

In the event that a rapid acceleration is required (such as entering highways), stomp the gas and go. The battery power that runs in addition to the gasoline engine will lower fuel use as much as possible.
For highway cruising, the standard and usual best results are derived at approximately 55 mph.

On The Drive – Deceleration
For low mileage, the goal is to ‘glide’, ‘coast’ and apply ‘regenerative braking’ at every possible chance even at low traffic conditions.

Gliding – while traveling, avoid pressure on accelerator then slightly re-apply pressure momentarily. This technique can only work when the engines are completely warmed up.

Coasting – This technique is to lift your foot off the accelerator and yet do not apply any pressures on the brakes. Slight regenerative braking is applied and thus allows fuel saving.

Regenerative Braking – When braking, do not brake abruptly. Instead, hold down the brakes slowly but enough to stop at the point intended. The electric motors will now act as generators.

Mechanical Braking – Firmly stomp on the brakes. This does is the braking technique you want to avoid at all costs, well maybe not at all costs – you have to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting something or someone – but as much as you can.

Gear Selection
The gear selections should be appropriate as to uphill or downhill routes, and maintain cruising gear for cruising speed to reduce mileage. One important point is the B gear. The B gear should only be used when going a long downhill. B gear allows the engine to slow down without overuse of the brakes and overcharge of the batteries.

Air-conditioning
On hot days, the temperature of the air-con should be few degrees lower than outside temperature to keep air flowing into the car without much use of energies.
Maximum setting is strongly discouraged.

In December 1997, the brainchild of Toyota’s team of eco-friendly engineers which began research 3 years earlier was launched in Japan. As it grew in status and prove its reliability, it did not take long for the Prius to hit American and European shores. To be precise, that happened in 2001 but considering the fact that it was a car already three years into production with certain worries regarding the battery lifespan, many were skeptical and Toyota was in need of an overhaul. That did not take long because as early as 2004, the current generation of the Toyota Prius was introduced.

The new Prius was a hit as it reached the shores of over 40 countries worldwide, especially in Japan and North America as it convinced larger crowds to switch to its hybrid concept by not just promising but providing better fuel consumption, performance, space and killed worries about the lifespan of its batteries. Its success in luring and satisfying its buyers and owners led to sales passing the one million mark as of 2008.

Due to its success in technical and marketing aspects, the Toyota Prius has been recognized with a long list of awards throughout the years. Since its launch in 1997 right up till today, it has collected numerous ‘Car of the Year’ awards from a great number of magazines originating from a large variation of countries. That feat is toppled by its success in winning awards for its technological advancements which include the ‘Best Engineered Vehicle’ title awarded by the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2004 and ‘The World’s Greenest Car’ as named by the Swiss government after a draft study which included a list of more than 6000 cars.

In the Prius, Toyota has delivered and the response has since been overwhelming. Twenty years ago, a commercially available car which runs on both gasoline and batteries would be a laughable topic but as the environment status of the world changed together with the needs of the world’s people, Toyota has made this concept a reality which can be embraced by not just lab engineers but normal people who drive cars daily. From its grassroots more than a decade ago to where it stands now in the market and inside the fast pace of technological breakthroughs in the automotive industry, the Toyota Prius has proved to be one of the greatest cars of our time.

Prius’ primary power is provided by an all-aluminum 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a peak 70 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and peak torque of 82 lb./ft. at 4,200 rpm. Variable valve timing maximizes efficiency. The gas tank has a plastic bladder which reduces gasoline vapors. The American also has a more powerful, more compact, and lighter main battery pack. The pack is 30 percent lighter in weight than the units in the first-generation Prius. The new lighter batteries reduce battery pack volume by 60 percent and allow for more cargo area in the trunk.

The electric drive motor is a permanent-magnet design that requires little maintenance as its internal componentry never wears. It produces its maximum power of 33 kW (44 horsepower) from 1,040-5,600 rpm, and maximum torque of 350 N-m (258 lb./ft.) from 0-400 rpm.

In addition to increased horsepower, the U.S. model Prius is equipped with a Toyota hydrocarbon (HC) absorber and catalyst (HCAC) system for reduced exhaust emissions.

The engine can only rev to 4,000 rpm, so that the internal parts can be smaller and lighter, and to reduce friction loss.

EPA fuel economy: 52 city, 45 highway (that is not a misprint)
SULEV certification
Gas engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC, Displacement: 1,497 cc, Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
Peak Horsepower: 70 hp at 4,500 rpm
Peak Torque: 82 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 Gal.
ELECTRIC MOTOR – Permanent Magnet, Capacity: 6.5 amperes
Peak Torque: 258 lb./ft. (350.0 Nm) 0-400 rpm
BATTERY PACK
Peak Horsepower: 25 kW (34 hp)
Nominal Voltage: 274 volts
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Length: 169.6 in.
Width: 66.7 in.
Height: 57.6 in.
Wheelbase: 100.4 in.
Weight 2,765 lb.
Seating Capacity: 5
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Headroom (front/rear): 38.8 / 37.1 in.
Legroom (front/rear): 41.2 / 35.4 in.
Shoulder room (front/rear): 52.8 / 52.2 in.
Hip room (front/rear): 50.7 / 51.9 in.
Passenger volume: 88.6 cu. ft.
Cargo volume: 11.8 cu. ft.
Total interior volume: 100.4 cu. ft.
EPA class: Compact
Transmission: Electrically Controlled CVT
Braking: Front ventilated disc/Rear drum (Hydraulic, with Power Assist)
with Integrated Regenerative Brake System
Steering: Rack and Pinion
Suspension (front/rear): MacPherson strut / Torsion beam

In Canada, the federal government offers rebate for hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius. It is known as the ECOAUTO Rebate Program which gives rebate from $1000 to $3000 for any purchase and also long-term leasing for any fuel-efficient vehicle. These rebates vary from different provinces to another.

In the Netherlands, class A cars such as the Toyota Prius received tax reductions of 14% and the government continued to raise the tax imposed on other class cars from 22 to 25%. This quickly resulted in having more than 1800 class A cars sold. Thus, the importer indicated that he will not be able to meet the demands for the year of 2008.

Subsidies program in Sweden have also been pretty successful, where the government offers subsidies of up to US$2000 for environmentally friendly cars (in this case such as Toyota Prius).

In the United States, the federal government provides tax credit (tax returns) to purchasers until the quota (a specific figure) has been exhausted by the manufacturer. And non-monetary benefits are also provided such as certain states allow hybrid engine automobiles to be exempted from restrictions on high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and also some designated or free parking areas for hybrid cars.

Country by Areas With Most Hybrids
United States – California. As the state with the highest number of hybrids, California allows any hybrid vehicles of at least 45 mpg ratings and Super Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) ratings to use HOVs with no constraints as to how many passengers are onboard.

In Los Angeles, SULEV rated vehicles such as the Toyota Prius 2 (2000-2003 make) are allowed free parking but this allowance is subjected to time restrictions and areas.

Rebates are given to any low emission vehicle owners during purchase which actually comes from pollution tax charges that were paid by high emission vehicle owners (as they purchase).

Canada – Ontario. The province of Ontario offers retail sales tax rebate incentives for the purchase of any new or used hybrid vehicles. As for existing conventional vehicle owners, they also get tax rebates if they were to convert their vehicle fuel use to alternatives or if they were to convert their vehicle to be electric based. In Vancouver, loans made to purchase hybrid vehicles are given prime rates – a few percentage points lower than normal rates.

Incentives for Toyota Prius
The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) of United States had specified the requirements needed in order for the Toyota Prius owner to qualify for the hybrid tax credit under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Owners must satisfy the standards below:
1. The Hybrid Vehicles must be new. Used vehicles do not qualify.
2. The Hybrid Vehicles must be purchased. Leased vehicles do not qualify.
3. The Hybrid Vehicles must be used predominantly in the United States.
To sum it up, a Toyota Prius owner can receive incentives ranging from $787 (minimum) to $3150 (maximum)

Other incentives are being considered for the time being, some even suggest lower insurance cost for vehicles.

The concept of a hybrid vehicle is simple. The word hybrid simply refers to the fact that two sources of power propel the car. In most cases, these two sources are petroleum and electricity. Many companies are also putting lots of research into the exploitation of the energy available in hydrogen gas but while it has proven to work well, the gas is too difficult and impractical to obtain for everyday use.

With electric hybrids such as the renowned Toyota Prius available in the market, more and more people should lend a hand in creating a greener environment by trading their gas guzzlers for one of these hybrids. There is no reason not to as despite having great green credentials, a hybrid such as the Prius gives no compromise on practicality, comfort and performance as it is proven to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an impressive 10.9 seconds. With just the addition of a large electric motor at the back of the car, it still is on the whole one very good automotive creation. It is like your everyday car, but even better. Unless you are an extreme speed junkie or an avid off-roader, this is just like your usual everyday car, even better. So why wouldn’t you want one?

Back to why hybrids exist in the first place; they literally sip on fuel as though the liquid which makes them run is like a slow killing poison. That is all thanks to the electric motor which contributes half the power in getting the car moving. In most cars including the Toyota Prius, the car runs solely on electricity at low speeds. This is especially a good feature for those who do a lot of town driving where driving fast is often not possible. It not only reduces the fuel consumption even more but also provides an almost silent ride since the engine is not running, another positive reason to buy a hybrid.

If you have any reason at all to maintain a good image among the hippies of your area, you can be rest assured that they are behind you if you have a hybrid car. This is because when environmental friendliness is concerned, no car is as friendly as the ones that run with an engine in its nose and a motor near its butt. It is evident in cars like the Prius which has an extremely low measure of carbon dioxide emission at 104g/km.

In a world where a car is sometimes a survival kit despite the depleting sources of fuel, the deterioration of the environment and the financial pinch which gets more painful as time goes by, you always come to wonder how to cope. Getting a hybrid, now that’s how.

Some hybrid vehicles, most commonly those in the form of SUVs and MPVs, are hybrids by name only. These cars exist for the sake of sales and trying to cope with the market and consumers’ desires. Being too heavy and powered by ridiculously large engines, hybrid SUVs only experience miniscule drops in fuel consumption when an electric motor is fitted. The Toyota Prius however is not only hybrid by name but hybrid by nature. Its electric motor, a magnetic AC one consisting of Ni-MH batteries, churns out 67bhp, almost half of the total 143bhp the car is able to produce with both power plants running. Although not the only car of its kind to produce an electric to gasoline power output ratio as good as this, its 1.5 litre VVT-i engine gives it the edge over its closest Japanese rivals which usually run on 1.3 litre engines which are slightly less efficient.

Like most hybrids of its class, the Toyota Prius has regenerative braking, a braking system which converts the kinetic energy formed when the brakes are hit into useable electricity. An electricity generating method that is only true to the Prius and not other hybrid vehicles however is the use of High Solar Energy Absorbing glass. Like the name suggests, its windscreen and windows have the ability to absorb solar energy from sunlight and effectively converts it into small amounts of electricity capable of pushing the car a little here and there. Another electricity-related fuel saving technique the car possesses is the ability to run solely on electricity at low speeds. This causes the engine to shut down which results in the ride being so silent as though nothing mechanical seems to be working. Toyota’s version of this is known as the EV mode and while other manufacturers have this feature in their hybrid vehicles, most American SUV hybrids do not as their electric motor is insufficient to move the weight of the car to cruising speeds.

Another great technology feature is Hybrid Synergy Drive, (HSD) which is a set of hybrid car technologies developed by Toyota and used in that company’s Prius, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus GS 450h, Lexus RX 400h, and Lexus LS 600h/LS 600hL automobiles. It combines an electric drive and a continuously variable transmission. The Synergy Drive is a drive-by-wire system with no direct mechanical connection between the engine and the engine controls: both the gas pedal/accelerator and the gearshift lever in an HSD car merely send electrical signals to a control computer.

Where hybrid vehicles are concerned, the Prius earns an undisputed first place when it comes to simply being a hybrid car. It has all the technology needed for a car to be classified a hybrid and a lot more. No matter how other manufacturers try to get themselves running in this sector of automobiles, the hybrid still remains the top choice. It is safe to say that it will continue that way as Toyota have already confirmed that a new Prius which offers better mileage and performance probably thanks to a bigger variety of technological enhancements is on its way into the market in 2009. How one copes with such technological greatness and success is simply a huge wonder and since the situation does not seem like changing any time soon, the Prius really is the true hybrid vehicle.

Being a hybrid, one can safely assume that the Prius sips on fuel and has breathable emissions. That is certainly true as it is powered by a 76bhp fuel-injection engine and a 67bhp electric motor which is located at the back of the car. At low speeds, only the electric motor propels the car as the engine is shut down and this adds up to not only great mileage, but noise-free rides. Drivers who find themselves in these kinds of low speed situations often can be happy to know that a Prius can do as much as over 60 miles to the gallon if the pedal is treated a little gently.

Generally, all hybrid cars manage to give drivers good fuel efficiency because of its electricity use which lessens the need to run the engine a lot. Although it is also the case of the Prius, this car also has aerodynamics to thank. With a drag coefficient of as low as 0.26, the Prius experiences very minimal wind resistance and this makes things easier for the car’s mobility hence, not requiring the engine to do a lot of work in propelling the car. This is combined with the use of its supposedly eco-friendly tires which reduces the friction against the road for environmental reasons as well as optimal effect on the fuel efficiency.

The Toyota Prius does not only maximize the use of energy as a hybrid. It also generates it whenever possible. Of course, this only applies to electricity and the Prius achieves this feat in two notable ways. The first is a braking system known as regenerative braking which is used in a number of hybrid cars these days. What it does basically is convert the kinetic energy created when the brakes are used into electric energy. When this is done, it also reduces the friction on the brake pads. Another method the Prius uses to obtain additional electricity during driving is the use of High Solar Energy Absorbing glass which they term as HSEA. As its name suggests, the glass panels like the windscreen and windows of the Prius absorb solar energy for electric conversion and although its absorption may only be minimal, the use of this glass and the Prius’ braking system add up in the long run to give a boost in the car’s fuel efficiency.

Being a car which does an average of more than 50 mpg on all roads and even more when driven at low speeds constantly, the Toyota Prius is indeed an efficient energy saver. With fuel consumption as good as this and its overall eco-friendly nature, the Toyota Prius is one great car indeed.

EPA Fuel Economy
Fuel Type – Regular Gasoline
MPG (city) – 60
MPG (highway) – 51
MPG (combined) – 55
All miles-per-gallon figures are based on standards set in 1972-1976 and accurate standards will be available in cars of 2008 and beyond.

EPA Fuel Economics
Cost to Drive 25 Miles $1.35
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles 0.45 gal
Cost of a Fill-up $35.70
Miles on a Tank 589 miles
Tank Size 11.9 gal
Annual Fuel Cost* $909
*Based on 15000 annual miles and a fuel price of $ 3.00 per gallon.

Fill-up cost and the distance you can travel on a tank are calculated based on the combined MPG and the assumption that you will re-fuel when your tank is 10% full.

According to the EPA’s revised estimates, the combined fuel consumption for the 2008 Prius is 46 mpg–U.S. (5.11 L/100 km / 55.2 mpg–imp), making it the most efficient car available in the U.S. in 2008, based on the official rating.