Our six-strong range of hybrid cars offer a quiet and relaxing drive and could save you a packet, but there’s more to hybrids, and the technology that underpins them than that. We focus on eight you may not know.
1. Hybrid technology isn’t new
It can be daunting being an early adopter to new, untested technology, but you’re in extremely safe hands with hybrid as we first unveiled hybrid versions of the S800 and Century models in the 1970s! The cars used a combination of gas turbine engines and electric motors.
2. The batteries don’t affect boot space
Thanks to clever packaging, the load space on hybrid variants of Yaris, Auris and Auris Touring Sports are exactly the same size as their petrol and diesel counterparts.
3. The petrol engine and electric motor can work in tandem
All of our hybrid cars are ‘Full’ hybrids. This means they contain two separate powerplants; a battery-powered electric motor and a petrol-driven combustion engine. Each of these can power the car alone, or in combination. This differs from a ‘series’ hybrid, which is driven by an electric motor and the combustion engine has no direct connection to the transmission.
4. The engine doesn’t have to be running for the air conditioning to work
In a conventional petrol or diesel-powered car, the compressor that powers the air conditioning is connected to the engine, meaning it can only be operated when the engine is running. In our hybrids, the compressor is connected to the high voltage battery, allowing the system to run even when the petrol engine is inactive. On Prius and Prius Plug-in models, the air conditioning can be activated via the car’s key fob to allow the car to reach the ideal temperature before a trip.
6. The hybrid systems fitted to our cars are tailored to suit the model they’re fitted to
It’s not a case of one size fits all for our hybrid vehicles; each one has a powerplant that best suits its purpose. The Yaris Hybrid uses a specially downsized version of our hybrid synergy drive set-up to save boot space and reduce kerbweight. The Prius+ and Prius Plug-in use energy dense lithium-ion batteries to save weight further and increase EV range.
7. Solar panels can keep the cabin cool on Prius models
The Prius is the first car in the world that’s cabin temperature can be cooled by solar panels. The panels are available as an option, and are integrated into a sliding glass sunroof.
8. We’re continually developing our hybrid technology
We know that we’ve hit on a winning formula with hybrid synergy drive, but we aren’t resting on our laurels. During the last financial year, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) planned to invest over £4 billion in advancing hybrid technology. The current-generation Prius is 26% more fuel efficient than the first-generation, which was introduced to Europe in 2000.
Further information about our range of hybrid vehicles is available on the designated hybrid section of the Toyota UK website. If you would like to experience a hybrid for yourself, leave a comment below and we’ll be in touch shortly.
By Eliott Farr
Is it possible to have a spacesaver wheel when purchasing a new Toyota Yaris Hybrid. We had a punture within weeks of buying our current then new Yaris. The puncture could not be mended a new tyre was required from the Toyota garage. We would feel much more content with a spacesaver than the current solution. Thanks for your help.
Hi Mrs Rushton,
We’re aware that many customers prefer spacesaver wheels and all of our dealers should be well-placed to supply you with one.
If you visit your local dealer then they should be able to help you out.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi, I know this is like a really old post, but I just thought i’d add a legal comment for the readers, as a police officer the number of people I catch driving around on space saver wheels and prosecute you’d be surprised. Drivers need to remember a proper tyre repair (if it is viable depending on where the puncture is) is totally road legal, however a space saver wheel is for emergency purposes only and should only be used for one journey to either take your punctured tyre for a repair or to go and purchase a new tyre. I see people driving around permanently on a space saver wheel, it’s not as structurally strong as a normal wheel and this is why it has max speed warnings on it. I love having a space saver wheel rather than the “injecting foam” systems, but if you are asking for a space saver wheel please abide by the law and only use it in an emergency tyre situation, it’s not for every day use. I remember when cars came with a full size spare wheel and I think people mistake the space saver as being fit for the same purpose, it’s not.
THE ONE CRITICISM I HAVE WITH THE YARIS HYBRED IS WHEN RUNNING EV MODE,IT SEEMS TO RUN OUT OF STEAM ON THE SLIGHTEST GRADIENT, AND WHEN STARTING OFF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR DOESNT SEEM TO HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO PROPEL THE CAR, EVEN WITH GENTLE ACCELERATION TO 30 MPH WITHOUT THE AID OF THE PETROL ENGINE.
I have a 2 year old yaris hybrid and I do not recognise any of these shortcomings
Hi Douglas
Thanks for your feedback about your Yaris Hybrid and EV mode.
We will pass these comments back to the product team but the car is always designed to operate so that the battery does not fall below a certain level which is why the petrol engine will cut in to ensure this battery efficiency. Our hybrid technology does improve with each new generation model and as battery efficiency increases it would be fair to say that ranges will be able to be improved in the future. Thank you again for your feedback and while we can appreciate this is of little consolation now, we are aware of this and improving the efficiency of our vehicles is of great importance to us.
Hope this helps clarify for now.
Wow, I didn’t know this before.
Hi there,
Thank you for your comment. If your interested in finding out more click here: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/small-hybrid-cars-big-benefits-low-costs. Thanks.
My mpg was 52-54 mpg, this dropped as expected during the winter to 48 mpg. Now that the warm weather is here I expected this to improve but it hasn’t.
Hi Billy,
We’re sorry to hear that. If you could provide your reg or VIN number we could look further in to this for you.
Thanks.
I have a 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid Synergy drive. Sometimes when I start it the dash board light up and sometimes it doesn’t. Do you press the bottom to start and turn off the car
Hi Lorraine,
To start a Toyota Hybrid, you must press and hold the brake, then press the power button.
If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle, we recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre so they can take a look.
Thanks.
Hi, where is the battery of an Auris sport tourer 2014 reg. How to jump start it? Thanks
Hi Hanife,
Thanks for getting in touch.
In order for us to look into this further, please could you provide us with your reg?
Thanks.
Hi, I have heard that the car air conditioning system must be used on a weekly basis to make sure that the compressor continues to work properly. Is this true for hybrid cars?
Hi Haris,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
It is good practice to frequently run the air conditioning system, even in hybrid vehicles.
The refrigerant gas circulating the system helps to reduce the risk of leaks by lubricating the seals.
Thanks.