Toyota Prius Technology

            Many people know that the Toyota Prius has set the gold standard for hybrid technology all over the world.  The name is so common now that it is starting to become what Coke is to soda.  Not many people know just the amount of technology that goes into today’s Prius and what makes them as efficient as they are today.

           The secret to today’s Toyota Prius hybrid is the Hybrid Synergy Drive.  The system uses a blend of gasoline or electric motor to provide optimum efficiency for how the driver is using the car.  Sometimes it will use only the electric motor for something such as city driving during stop and go traffic.  Once you begin picking up speed the car will begin transferring use to the gasoline engine to provide extra power and give a longer range.

            The Prius also has three drive modes.  There is EV, ECO, and POWER.  The EV mode will run on battery power alone, but only for up to one mile.  ECO mode improves fuel economy by the car adjusting throttle and climate control for

getting optimum economy while still staying comfortable in the car.  The reason why climate control is adjusted is because if the air conditioner is in use, the compressor puts out drag, which reduces engine efficiency and performance, which reduces fuel economy.  The POWER driving mode has the car go all out and provide the best, most exciting driving experience the Prius can provide.

            Another great piece of technology in the Toyota Prius that not many other cars possess is the solar roof.  The solar roof provides power to a fan that circulates air throughout the interior of the car.  This cools the interior so when you go to get back in the car, you won’t need to turn the air conditioner on, which reduces engine drag and then increases your fuel economy.  You can also turn on the air conditioner within three minutes of you entering your Prius.  The compressor will run on the hybrid battery power system so you can enter into a nice and refreshing temperature.

            With industry leading technology such as the solar roof, and the forerunner of hybrid technology, the Prius will continue to be a leader of the pack for hybrid technology and fuel economy.

Matthew Colan

Handy Toyota

St. Albans, VT