Hybrids: GREEN Technology

What Is a Hybrid System?

A hybrid system combines different power sources to maximize each one's strengths, while compensating for the others' shortcomings. A gasoline-electric hybrid system, for example, combines an internal combustion engine's high-speed power with the clean efficiency and low-speed torque of an electric motor that never needs to be plugged in.  Hybrid engines improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions while still delivering driving performance.

Hybrid is a core technology that Toyota intends to use for all future powertrains. Their corporate vision calls for offering a hybrid version for every Toyota passenger model in the early 2020s. In the meantime:

• Ten percent of Toyota’s U.S. sales are hybrids and Toyota has sold nearly 75% of all the hybrids in America so far. Worldwide, Toyota has sold more than two million hybrid vehicles.

• The 2010 Prius contains parts made from plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics. The newly-developed plastics known as "ecological plastics" emit less CO2 during a product lifecycle than plastics made solely from petroleum; they also help reduce petroleum use.

• Toyota has expanded and improved their hybrid line-up. Today, in addition to Prius, we can also offer our customers available hybrid engines in the Camry and Highlander.

http://www.toyota.com/about/environment/hybrids/