It's Always Greener on the Hybrid side of Toyota!

A hybrid vehicle is one that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for optimum efficiency. By combining the engine with an electric motor, the vehicle has the ability to have more powerful acceleration, significantly reduced CO2 emissions, the ability for self recovery of the battery, and to be more energy efficient.

With a hybrid vehicle, you can drive up to two times as far on a tank of gas and release up to two tons less CO2 emissions, making your drive more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

CO2 emissions are reduced by the electric motor taking charge when accelerating from a standstill or stopped position and also when the car is at rest. When the hybrid vehicle is idling, no fuel is used; therefore no exhaust is emitted from the vehicle.

Image from http://www.newcarpark.com/blog/?p=60

In 1997, Toyota launched the first mass produced complete hybrid system in Japan. That first year alone, Toyota sold 18,000 vehicles.

Three years later in 2000, the Toyota Prius was introduced to the United States. To meet the high demand of the new introduction of the Hybrid, Toyota produced 47,000 units for the American market.

Since then, Toyota has released the Highlander Hybrid and the Camry Hybrid, while working on a Hybrid model for the RAV4 (estimated release date to be 2013).

The Prius is now in its third generation and is available in four model levels: Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV, and Prius V. Each model has an outstanding estimated 50 miles per gallon rating.

The Highlander Hybrid is available in the base hybrid model and also in the Limited model. The Highlander Hybrids each have a 27 mpg estimate for city driving and a 25 mpg estimate for highway driving.

The Camry Hybrid model emits up to 70% fewer smog-forming emissions. This hybrid model can get an estimated 34 mpg on the highway.

Interested in learning more? Please visit our website, or stop into Basil Toyota in Lockport today to test drive a 2010 Hybrid!