We have found that many people are confused about the different powertrain options and come into Toyota showrooms asking about how they plug in our hybrids. However Toyota Hybrids do not have to be plugged in. Our hybrids produce electricity in two ways:
- Firstly, the hybrid system recharges the battery by recovering energy from the braking system while driving.
- Secondly when the engine is performing efficiently, electricity is generated by the car.
This is all controlled automatically by the hybrid system without any need for input from the driver.
Many tests, including here in Ireland, have shown that our hybrids are in EV mode for over 50% of the time. You can read a study from UCD Ireland on EV mode time in typical commuting conditions by clicking here.
Yes, hybrids are suitable for motorway driving and long-distance driving. A Hybrid car can be in EV mode (zero emissions mode) in speeds up to 125km/hour. In a UCD study, undertaken in November 2018, it was shown that our hybrids are in EV mode for over 50% of the time. This study incorporated commutes that included motorway driving. You can read the UCD Study on this link.
No. The Hybrid system recharges the battery by recovering energy from the braking system and whilst driving.
It is all controlled automatically without any need for input from the driver. So, issues such as: ‘how to charge a Hybrid car’, ‘where are the Hybrid charging points located’, or ‘where is my nearest Hybrid charging station?’ do not apply.
Yes, all Toyota Hybrids are automatic. In 2019, just over 30% of all new car sales in Ireland are now automatic and growing every year. An automatic transmission provides a much smoother, more relaxing driving experience as you’re not constantly using the clutch or changing gears. In fact, research has proven that people who drive a Hybrid are happier than manual drivers after a regular commute.
Official figures are up to 94 mpg, but in real world driving on Irish roads in rural Ireland the regular reports are just over 65 mpg in a Corolla.
Towing capacity of a Hybrid model - Towing Capacity with brakes (kg)
Yaris Hybrid 0
Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Hatchback 750
Corolla 2.0 Hybrid Hatchback 750
Corolla Hybrid T/Sports 750
Corolla Hybrid Saloon 750
C-HR Hybrid 725
Rav4 Hybrid 2WD 800
Rav4 Hybrid AWD 1650
Prius 725
Prius PHEV 0
Prius + 0
Camry 0
Mild Hybrids or as they’re often called “fake hybrids”, do not deliver the benefits a full Hybrid engine. Toyota’s hybrid batteries are strong enough to drive at moderate speeds (60 KM per Hour) in pure EV mode, while a mild Hybrid cannot drive in pure EV mode at any speed (0% EV drive time). In fact, our hybrids can spend up to 62% of their drive time driving in electric mode.
This in turn delivers multiple benefits around CO2 and fuel savings over a mild Hybrid. Another key difference is that most mild Hybrids are manual transmission unlike full Hybrids which are all automatic, delivering a much smoother, more relaxing drive. Learn more about the differences between a mild Hybrid and full Hybrid here in our helpful Hybrid Guide.
They are built to last as long as conventional vehicles.
The battery is designed to last the life of the vehicle. Some US owners have already passed 250,000 miles.
No, the battery will maintain sufficient energy storage for its lifetime. Even frequent use of electric-only mode will have no adverse effect.
The on-board computer makes sure the Hybrid battery never discharges completely. There is a conventional battery as well that is treated just like the battery in a non self-charging Hybrid.
As the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid has a dedicated battery to EV only driving, if this battery goes flat the Hybrid system will continue to work as normal. So when you next find a charge point, simply plug it in to charge up the EV battery.
In the unlikely event that you need to change a Hybrid battery, it is possible to replace a Hybrid battery beyond its warranty. Prices vary depending on model. Please contact your local Toyota dealer for more details.
As with conventional vehicles, actual consumption differs depending on the nature of the journey and the driving style. It takes a little practice to get the best from the car, but whilst some have claimed they can't match the official figures, others exceed them.
In an accident and under maintenance there is no risk of an electric shock. The battery is securely enclosed and if any abnormality is detected the computer will cut off the high voltage and prevent any escaping. There is also a service plug which can be used for manual disconnection.
Toyota launched the first Prius to the public in 1997, and have since sold over 10 million hybrids. They have proved just as reliable as conventional vehicles.
A free recycling system is in place for all the batteries we produce. They are processed at purpose built plants, the nickel-iron for example being recycled into stainless steel. The Prius, for example, is now 95% recyclable.
Hybrid significantly reduces NOx by up to 90% and CO2 emissions by up to 40% when compared to diesel and offers improved fuel economy. No current diesel can offer these three advantages to the same extent.
No, the current automatic transmission, a unique version of E-CVT, is an essential component of the Hybrid.
Toyota self-charging Hybrids have been continually refined for reliability and performance to the extent that Hybrid car maintenance, servicing costs and servicing frequency - are no more than for conventional cars. In fact they have on average 30% less maintenance costs as they have less wear and tear on items like the brake discs and there is no clutch.
Toyota’s own Hybrid Health Check is included for free with any Hybrid Service.