Toyota Prius

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Toyota Prius

Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation
Production	1997–present
Class	Hybrid car Compact car (1997-2002) Mid-size car (2003-present)
Layout	FF layout

The Toyota Prius (pronounced /ˈpriːəs/) (plural: Prii, pronounced /ˈpriːaɪ/) is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) rate the Prius as among the cleanest vehicles sold in the United States based on smog forming and toxic emissions.^[1]
The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 70 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.^[2] In May 2008, global cumulative Prius sales reached the milestone 1 million vehicle mark,^[3] and in September 2010, the Prius reached worldwide cumulative sales of 2.0 million units.^[2] The U.S. is the largest market, with 1 million Prii sold by early April

First generation (XW10; 1997–2003)

Main article: Toyota Prius (XW10)

Toyota Prius (XW10)

Production	1997–2001 (NHW10) 2001–2003 (NHW11)
Assembly	Takaoka, later Toyota City (Motomachi), Japan[10]
Body style	4-door sedan

In 1995, Toyota debuted a hybrid concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, with testing following a year later.^[11] The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale on December 10, 1997.^[12][13] It was available only in Japan, though it has been imported privately to at least the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.^[14] The first generation Prius, at its launch, became the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car. The NHW10 Prius styling originated from California designers, who were selected over competing designs from other Toyota design studios.^[13]
In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between the smaller Echo and the larger Corolla. The published retail price of the car was US$19,995.^[15] The NHW11 Prius became more powerful partly to satisfy the higher speeds and longer distances that Americans drive.^[16] Air conditioning and electric power steering were standard equipment.^[17] The vehicle was the second mass-produced hybrid on the American market, after the two-seat Honda Insight.^[18] While the larger Prius could seat five, its battery pack restricted cargo space.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car as a Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).^[19] Prius owners were eligible for up to a US$2,000 tax credit from their gross income.^[18] In contrast with the NW10, Toyota executives claimed that the company broke even financially on sales of the NHW11 Prius.^[18]
European sales began in September 2000.^[20] The official launch of the Prius in Australia occurred at the October 2001 Sydney Motor Show,^[21] although sales were slow until the NHW20 model arrived.

[edit] Second generation (XW20; 2003–2009)

Main article: Toyota Prius (XW20)

Toyota Prius (XW20)

Production	2003–2009 (North America, Japan) 2004–present (China, Europe)
Assembly	Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City) Kariya, Aichi, Japan (Fujimatsu) Changchun, Jilin, China (Chinese domestic market only)
Body style	5-door liftback

In 2004 the Prius was completely redesigned as a mid-size liftback, sized between the Corolla and the Camry, with redistributed mechanical and interior space significantly increasing rear-seat legroom and luggage room. The 2004 Prius is even more environmentally friendly than the 2001 model (according to the EPA), and is 6 inches (150 mm) longer than the previous version.^[22] Its more aerodynamic Kammback body balances length and wind resistance, resulting in a drag coefficient ( C_d) of 0.26.^[23] The development effort, led by chief engineer Shigeyuki Hori, led to 530 patents for the vehicle.^[24]
The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling, an industry first.^[25] Combined with a smaller and lighter NiMH battery, the XW20 is more powerful and more efficient than the XW10.^[26] In the U.S., the battery pack of 2004 and later models is warranted for 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years in states that have adopted the stricter California emissions control standards, and 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years elsewhere.^[27][28] The warranty for hybrid components is 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years.^[29]
It is classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) and is certified by California Air Resources Board as an "Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle" (AT-PZEV).^[30]
From 2005 to 2009, the second generation Prius had been built by FAW-Toyota in the city of Changchun for the Chinese market.^[31] It was reported that a total of 2,152 Prii were sold in 2006 and 414 in 2007. The relatively low sales was blamed on high price, about US$15,000 higher than the equivalent in Japan or the U.S., caused by high duties on imported parts.^[32] In early March 2008, Toyota cut the price of Prius by up to eight percent or US$3,000 to RMB 259,800 (US$36,500). It was thought that the sales dropped as a result of both a lack of acceptance and increased competition. The Honda Civic Hybrid was exported to China from 2007.^[33]

[edit] Third generation (XW30; 2009–present)

Main article: Toyota Prius (XW30)

Toyota Prius (XW30)

Production	Mar 2009–present
Model years	2010–present
Assembly	Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City)[34] Chachoengsao, Thailand (December 2010-present) Changchun, Jilin, China
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	5-door hatchback

Toyota debuted the new Prius (2010 US model year) at the January 2009 North American International Auto Show,^[35] and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009.^[36] Toyota cut the price of the Prius from ¥2.331 million to ¥2.05 million to better compete with the Honda Insight,^[37] leading some to wonder whether increased sales of the Prius might come at the expense of sales of other vehicles with higher margins. Competition from lower priced hybrids, such as the Honda Insight, also made it difficult for Toyota to capitalize on the Prius's success.^[38] Its new body design is more aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 C_d. This figure is disputed by General Motors tests which found the value to be around 0.30. Tests by other automakers back this figure.^[39] An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speeds
The estimated fuel-efficiency rating, using the U.S. EPA combined cycle, is 50 mpg_-US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg_-imp).^[40] The Prius was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available in the U.S. in 2009, based on the official rating.^[41] Only the first-generation Honda Insight (2000–2006) equipped with a manual transmission attained a lower fuel consumption rate. The official UK fuel efficiency data for the Prius T3 is Urban 72.4 mpg_-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg_-US), Extra Urban 76.4 mpg_-imp (3.70 L/100 km; 63.6 mpg_-US), Combined 72.4 mpg_-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg_-US).^[42]
The 1.8-liter gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98 hp, and with the added power of the electric motor generates a total of 134 hp (previously 110 hp). The larger engine displacement allows for increased torque, reducing engine speeds (RPM), which improves fuel economy at highway speeds. Thanks to its electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first consumer automotive production engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves its fuel economy.^[43] The electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient than the industry average.^[44] Toyota estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter. Disc brakes replace the previous rear drum brakes.
In constructing the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics, made out of cellulose derived from wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops used are kenaf and ramie. Kenaf is a member of the hibiscus family, a relative to cotton and okra; ramie, commonly known as China grass, is a member of the nettle family and one of the strongest natural fibres, with a density and absorbency comparable to flax. Toyota says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which spotlights kenaf and ramie among others.^[45]

[edit] Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Prius Plug-in recharging from a mobile fast charging unit

Main article: Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is a demonstrator plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) based on a third generation Toyota Prius (model ZVW30) outfitted with 5.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries,^[46][47] with an all-electric range of 13 mi (21 km).^[48] A global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars began in late 2009 and is taking place in Japan, Europe, Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.^[49][50][51]
The Prius Plug-in is scheduled for retail sales in the United States in the second quarter of 2012 and will be initially offered only in 15 states. According to Toyota these are the states where nearly 60 percent of all Prius models are currently sold. The Prius Plug-in will be available in all remaining states one year later.^[52] In April 2011 Toyota opned its priority registration website for customers interested in ordering the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid, even though the purchase price has not been announced.^[53][54]

[edit] Toyota Prius Family

See also: Toyota Prius v

At the January 2011 North American International Auto Show, Toyota revealed the 2012 model year Prius v, an extended hatchback wagon, which is derived from the third-generation Prius and features over 50 percent more interior cargo space than the original Prius design. Toyota also unveiled the Prius c concept, which in production form is expected to be cheaper and smaller than the current Prius hatchback. Toyota expects the Prius v to go on sale in North America by mid- to late 2011, and a car based on the Prius c concept to enter production in the first half of 2012.^[55]

The Prius Alpha will be called Prius v in North America and Prius + in Europe.

Toyota plans to offer the North American Prius v with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack similar to the 2010 model year Prius, and with two rows of seats to accommodate five passengers. The European and Japanese versions will be offered with a lithium-ion battery, with three rows of seats with accommodations for seven passengers.^[56] The European version, named Prius +, is scheduled to be launched by mid 2012.^[57]
In May 2011 Toyota introduced the Prius Alpha in Japan. The Alpha is the basis for the five-seat Prius v planned for launch in North America, and the seven-seat Prius + planned for launch in Europe. The Prius Alpha is available in a five-seat, two-row model and a seven-seat, three-row model, the latter’s third row enabled by a space-saving lithium-ion drive battery in the center console. The five-seat model uses a NiMH battery pack. Deliveries of the Alpha will be delayed due to the effects of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami on production.^[57][58]

[edit] Sales

The Prius is sold in more than 70 countries and regions, and has its largest markets in the United States, Japan, and Europe.^[2] In May 2008, Toyota announced that its worldwide cumulative sales of the Prius had passed the 1 million mark;^[59] worldwide cumulative sales surpassed 2 million units in September 2010.^[2]
As of April 2011 the U.S. accounted for almost half of the Prius global sales, with one million Prius sold since 2000.^[4] However, Prius experienced two consecutive year over year sales decrease from its peak in 2007 to 139,682 units in 2009,^[60] and rebounded in 2010 to 140,928 units.^[61]
Cumulative Prius sales in Europe reach 100,000 in 2008 and 200,000 units by mid 2010, after 10 years on that market. The U.K. is one of the leading European markets for Prius, accounting more than 20 percent of all Prii sold in Europe.^[62] Toyota Prius became Japan's best selling vehicle in 2009 for the first time since its debut in 1997 as its sales almost tripled to 208,876 in 2009.^[63] In that year it overtook the Honda Fit, which was Japan's best-selling car in 2008 excluding Kei cars
.

Design and technology

sealed 38-module nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack providing 273.6 volts, 6.5 A·h capacity and weighing 53.3 kg (118 lb)^[69] is supplied by Japan's Panasonic EV Energy Co. They are normally charged to 40–60% of maximum capacity to prolong battery life as well as provide a reserve for regenerative braking. Each battery pack uses 10–15 kg (22–33 lb) of lanthanum. As each electric motor in Prius also contains 1 kg (2 lb) of neodymium, the car is described as "the biggest user of rare earths of any object in the world."^[70]

[edit] Battery life cycle

As the Prius reached ten years of being available in the U.S. market, in February 2011 Consumer Reports decided to look at the lifetime of the Prius battery and the cost to replace it. The magazine tested a 2002 Toyota Prius with over 200,000 miles on it, and compared the results to the nearly identical 2001 Prius with 2,000 miles tested by Consumer Reports 10 years before. The comparison showed little difference in performance when tested for fuel economy and acceleration. Overall fuel economy of the 2001 model was 40.6 miles per US gallon (5.79 L/100 km; 48.8 mpg_-imp) while the 2002 Prius with high mileage delivered 40.4 miles per US gallon (5.82 L/100 km; 48.5 mpg_-imp). The magazine concluded that the effectiveness of the battery has not degraded over the long run.^[71] The cost of replacing the battery varies between US$2,200 and US$2,600 from a Toyota dealer, but low-use units from salvage yards are available for around US$500.^[71]

Hybrid Batteries: None the Worse for Wear?

  in line with what drivers can expect to average. This will likely drop the figures for all cars, but hybrids may show a bigger decrease than most others.
Now to the battery issue.

Toyota's Prius has been around for the last six years and is the U.S.' most-popular hybrid.

While Toyota's Prius wasn't the first hybrid to be sold in the U.S. (that honor goes to the low-volume two-seat Honda Insight), it was certainly the first to sell in reasonable numbers. Introduced in the U.S. for the 2001 model year, it was redesigned for 2004, offering more room, more power, and even better fuel-economy figures.

Helped by rising fuel costs, sales of the second-generation Prius took off. Toyota built about 52,000 of the first-generation cars, and so far has added more than 214,000 of the latest version. That means there have been well over a quarter-million Prius Hybrids sold in the U.S., making it by far the country's most popular hybrid.
And Toyota claims that not one has required a battery replacement due to malfunction or "wearing out." The only replacement batteries sold--at the retail price of $3000--have been for cars that were involved in accidents. Toyota further claims that the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery packs used in all Prius models are expected to last the life of the car with very little to no degradation in power capability.
For those of us who have cell phones and other devices with NiMH batteries, that claim may sound unrealistic. Over time, the battery's charge longevity seems to wane, resulting in shorter and shorter usage between charges. Eventually, the battery becomes worthless and we buy a replacement.
But in the case of most electronic devices, the batteries tend to get fully charged, then nearly fully discharged before being charged again. For the power pack in the Prius, at least, Toyota says this would greatly shorten the life span of the battery.

A navigation screen converts to show the driver what type of power the Prius is using, gas or electric.

To get maximum life out of the Prius battery pack, the car's computer brain does not allow the battery to fully charge or discharge. Toyota says that for the best service life, the Prius battery likes to be kept at about a 60 percent charge. In normal operation, the system usually lets the charge level vary only 10-15 percentage points. Therefore, the battery is rarely more than 75 percent charged, or less than 45 percent charged.

If you're familiar with the Prius, you know there's a battery-charge indicator on the instrument panel. Toyota says this isn't the charge level per se, but rather a state-of-charge window. The top of the window represents about a 75 percent charge, the bottom about 45 percent charge.
According to Toyota, the life of the Prius battery pack is determined more by mileage than by time, and it has been tested to 180,000 miles. Supporting this are first- and second-generation Prius taxis in Canada that have reportedly traveled more than 200,000 miles without suffering any battery problems.
The Next Generation
Just as many electronic devices have recently switched from NiMH batteries to lithium-ion, so too might the Prius. Two reasons: First, Toyota says the cost of nickel has increased threefold in the past few years, largely because China is buying lots of it to make stainless steel. Also, lithium-ion batteries offer a higher power density that would allow a similarly powerful battery to be smaller and lighter.
But Toyota notes there are still some problems to be overcome before lithium-ion batteries are ready for prime time--at least in cars like the Prius. One is that the batteries have a dangerous tendency to catch fire. The second is that the life span of a lithium-ion battery in an application like the Prius can't yet match that of a NiMH battery. But neither of these problems seems insurmountable, as Toyota estimates lithium-ion batteries might be used in the Prius in as little as two or three years.
For now, however, Toyota stands by the durability of its NiMH battery packs. And it doesn't plan on selling many replacements any time soon

Prius Cheaper Battery Replacement Option

Is there is a cheaper option to replace the weak batteries on the Prius? As a matter of fact, there is.
What you can do is to take new battery cells with a better design from a current Prius model and rebuilding it on your current Prius. It is sort of like replacing the battery on your cell phone.
If you are not a car mechanic, the battery replacement process can be quite confusing. Not to worry, there’s someone to assist you. If you are looking for a Toyota Prius battery repair guide, check out the web site.

Toyota Prius Battery Repair Guide

The creators of the Prius battery replacement manual are professional Prius service mechanics that have their own workshop. They have rebuilt hundreds of Prius battery packs in their business.
Their guide will show you 5 easy steps which you can follow to remove the old Prius battery pack and install a new and better one.
How much would a DIY Toyota Prius battery rebuild cost? Some of their customers have done the replacement for as much as $500. That is a great deal compared to $4000 you have to pay if you were to send your hybrid to a Toyota service centre.
If you are driving a Prius and the electric motor battery pack is to be replaced, check out the Prius Battery Repair Guide. Click on the link below for more information.

Prius Battery Replacement Cost | What Options Are There?

Posted on March 5, 2011 by onlioca4

When you purchase a Toyota Prius, you give yourself a pat on the back for being environmentally friendly.  You relish about the money you will save in gas prices and about how energy efficient your little work of art is.  Time goes by and you continue to enjoy the many benefits of your Prius, when suddenly you get into your car and attempt to start it up.  Then, what you hear sends puts you into a slight panic.  Nothing, you hear absolutely nothing.  Your Prius refuses to start and it is no longer the reliable, environmentally friendly car you purchased a few years ago.
Why won’t my Toyota Prius crank?
What you are now experiencing, before your very eyes, is a known problem with the Toyota Prius. Your hybrid battery is likely having problems and will need replacement.  Many problems associated with these batteries have to deal with the battery refusing to recharge when it stops. Most people who report having trouble with their Prius battery report noticing a reduction in MPG before the battery just downright fails.  So, if you are having this problem and are stuck trying to figure out what to do with a Prius that does not run, what options are available to you?  You may be surprised at the information that awaits you.
What should I do now?
There are a few options available to those who are in need of a battery replacement for their 2001 -2003 Toyota Prius.  The following gives information that you need to know when replacing it.

• A new battery – While this option seems like it would be best, you may want to be sitting down when you learn how much it is going to cost you.  Buying a new battery for your car will cost you an astounding $3,000-$5,000.  Panic mode has set in again hasn’t it?  And, did I mention that you can only buy the battery replacement from the Toyota Company itself? This is simply unrealistic for the average person. In some cases, Toyota will honor the warranty on the battery and replace it. However, in many cases they will find a loop hole and you will be stuck with the bill.

• Getting a battery rebuild – A second and more realistic option is to get a battery rebuild.  With the average person unable to purchase a brand new battery for their Prius, many are turning to the option of having their battery re-built with the help of a “Do it yourself” guide that is now offered to consumers.  By purchasing the Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery Repair Guide and taking it to a local mechanic for a hybrid battery rebuild, you will save an amazing amount of money. Many mechanics will charge around $500 for the battery rebuild. If you do the math, that is an average savings of as much as $4,500.

• Buying Online - Sometimes, you can find a re-built battery available for purchase online.  While this seems like a good choice, you never know if you are getting the product you are paying for. You must use extreme caution when choosing this option.  Also, buying a re-built battery can get quite expensive running, on average, around $1400.

If you are having trouble with your 2001-2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery, the above solutions will work for you.  There are now great solutions available for you such as taking advantage of the Toyota Prius Hybrid Battery Repair Guide. It will save you a great deal of money and will be an excellent investment for the future as all batteries will reach their life expectancy at some point in time leaving you with  a need for a battery replacement.

Posted in Prius Battery Replacement Cost | Leave a comment

2001-2003 Prius Battery Repair Guide Review

Posted on March 5, 2011 by onlioca4

The Toyota Prius offers many benefits for those who prefer it as the vehicle of choice.  As an environmentally friendly car, the Prius promises its owners magnificent savings over the years.  In many cases, however, Prius owners have been forced to face the reality of making repairs to their cars.  Ask any Prius owner and he is likely to tell you that the replacements will not come cheap.  One of the most noted and expensive repairs that owners claim to have with their Prius is replacing the hybrid battery that powers the car.  The 2001-2003 Prius Battery Repair Guide offers an affordable solution for this costly repair.
The lowdown on the 2001-2003 Prius Battery Repair Guide

• If you are looking for a cheap way to solve your battery repair problems, then look no further than the Prius Battery Repair Guide.  The guide teaches you how to repair your hybrid battery in just 5 easy steps.  The absolute best benefit you will receive from purchasing this guide is saving money and TONS of it.  On average, people who purchase this guide save around $4000 verses buying a brand new hybrid battery from Toyota. The 2001-2003 Prius Battery Repair Guide has saved owners thousands of dollars.  It can help you too!
• It is recommended that all Toyota Prius owners purchase this “how to” guide.  If you aren’t having problems with your hybrid battery now, you will eventually.  The hybrid batteries are NOT guaranteed to last a lifetime. What is your plan once your battery dies?

What will I be getting when I purchase the Battery Repair Guide?
The following is what the makers of the battery repair guide promise you as listed on the website : — WEBSITE name

• How to remove and install battery from vehicle

Step By Step Guide For Rebuilding A Generation I (2001-2003) Prius Battery With Generation II (2004-2009) Modules/Cells

• Instructions on How to Repair Your Generation I (2001-2003) Battery with Used Generation I (2001-2003) Modules/Cells

Instructions on How to Rebuild Your Generation II (2004-2009) Battery with New Modules/Cells

• A How to Guide to replace your battery computer for as little as $50

Loads of REAL Pictures and Captions done by the mechanic during his last rebuild

• Live E-Mail Support If You Get Lost

A list of REAL suppliers to get your CHEAP Prius battery parts And most importantly HOW TO HANDLE YOUR BATTERY SAFELY!
Is it worth the money?
Now that you know what you will be getting when you purchase the 2001-2003 Battery Repair Guide, is it really worth spending the money to make the quick repair to your car?  According to testimonials provided by people who have used the guide, the answer is YES!  Using the repair guide has saved Prius owners thousands of dollars and can have your Prius back on road in no time.