Toyota Prius-Technology Costs

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car that incorporates a 51.5kw electric motor with a 1.5litre vvt-I petrol engine. This is designed to deliver 52mpg in cities and 45mpg on motorways. With the Series Parallel Hybrid System, it is possible to drive the wheels using the dual sources of power (electric motors and/or gas/petrol engine), as well as to generate electricity while running on the electric motors. The system runs the car on power from the electric motors only, or by using both the gas/petrol engine and the electric motors together, depending on the driving conditions. Since the generator is integrated into the system, the battery can be charged while the car is running. The basic components of the system are the electric motors, the gas/petrol engine, the generator, the power split device and the power control unit (inverter/converter). The power split device transfers part of the power produced by the gas/petrol engine to drive the wheels, and the rest to the generator to either provide electric power for the electric motors or to recharge the battery. This system takes advantage of the energy-efficient electric motors when the car runs in the low speed range, and calls on the gas/petrol engine when the car runs in the higher speed range. In other words, the system can control the dual sources of power for optimum energy-efficient operation under any driving conditions. (Series Parallel Hybrid System)

The 2 electric batteries found in a Prius are large Nickel metal Hydride batteries. Here are the specifications for these batteries: CELLS168 NOMINAL VOLTAGE 201.6V NOMINAL CAPACITY 6.5Ah SPECIFIC POWER 1300W/kg SPECIFIC ENERGY 46Wh/kg (High Output Electric Motor)

The two batteries in a prius account for £1600 of the overall cost of the car. This is far more expensive than the cost of an ordinary car battery, and therefore increases the price of the car significantly. However, it is possible to recycle the nickel metal hydride batteries in a prius. This further reduces the CO2 emissions of this car, and reduces the impact on the environment. Unfortunately it does increase the cost of the car because Toyota is obliged to accept batteries for recycling, and so has included a small charge for this service in the cost of the vehicle.

The hybrid synergy drive system uses the electric engine to compensate the petrol motor. This means that the petrol engine actually turns slower than the wheels, and the electric motor makes up the difference. However whilst the engine is running, it is also charging the batteries. Because the batteries provide some of the drive power, this effectively reduces the amount of fuel used to travel. (Total Savings for a Prius)

However there is a major drawback to this energy efficient technology. Toyota is reported to have spent over £400million developing the prius’s hybrid technology. This expense has increased the cost of a prius significantly, as the prius base model starts at £ (New York Times) Although the technology will undoubtedly save money on fuel, it does mean that the price of the Prius is very high for the niche of the market it occupies.

Bibliography High Output Electric Motor. Retrieved November 26, 2008 from New York Times. Retrieved November 27, 2008 from Series Parallel Hybrid System. Retrieved November 26, 2008 from Total Savings for a Prius as compared to a Stock Prius as a Function of Gasoline Prices. Retrieved November 27, 2008 from prius4.jpg