This car was introduced to the worldwide market in 2000 and nearly 160,000 units have been produced to be marketed in Japan, Europe, and North America in late 2003. In Latin, Prius means "in front". Prius (model years 2000-2003) certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (English: Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, SULEV) by the California Air Resources Board (California Air Resources Board, CARB). While the model 2004nya certified as Zero Emissions Vehicle Advanced Technology Partially (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, AT-PZEV).
This car was chosen as the Best European Car for 2005, fuel efficient car was also previously selected as Motor Trend magazine Best Car. Prius also won the Best Cars of North America in 2004 and was nominated in 2001.
The design and technology
The Prius is a car that can be driven by gasoline and electricity. Prius system components include:
Regenerative braking, using motor-geerator, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy which is then stored in batteries.
Toyota NZ engine uses the Atkinson cycle is more efficient than the Otto Putara. The petrol engine is usually stopped when the car stopped and accessories (including air conditioning) is driven using a battery. Machines used to move the vehicle and also charge the battery. Because the electric motor provides extra power for quicker acceleration, given the small size of car engines to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions with acceptable acceleration.
Two electric motor / generator power: MG1 and Mg2. MG1, can U-turn and move up to 10.ppp ppm, started the engine and provide a turning torque to the CVT. Mg 2 provides 50 kW (67hp) between 1200 to 1540 ppm and 400 Nm of torque (295 ft.lbf) between 0 to 1,200 ppm, improve performance and economy. Motor is used as a generator during regenerative braking and when the car is moving at low speed.
Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) is a planetary gearset CVT that operates like to improve the efficiency. Computers control the HSD to adjust power from the gasoline engine and electric motor as required by the front wheels and the rechargeable battery.
Rechargeable battery module 38 nickel metal hydride (NiMH) provide 273.6 V, 6.5 Ah capacity These batteries provided by Panasonic. These batteries are usually filled to 40-60% of maximum capacity for memperpanjan battery life and also provides a reserve for regenerative braking.