Also known as 'hybrid-electric', Toyota hybrid vehicles are a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor. The hybrid technology allows the engines to operate independently of each other, as well as together.
Using electric power to pull away, Toyota hybrids avoid producing harmful emissions from accelerating. The hybrid vehicles can even cruise at speeds up to 31 mph, using zero fuel consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and a near-silent drive. These impressive factors make up 50% of your urban journeys according to Toyota Hybrid Experience figures. What's more, UK government data shows that hybrid cars have consistently lower CO2 figures than conventional cars.
Toyota hybrid models switch seamlessly between the power sources at low speeds and provide exceptionally efficient petrol power at higher speeds - not only saving you money and fuel, but also providing class-leading CO2 emissions.
Toyota Hybrid Electric vehicles switch between a petrol engine and an electric motor. Whilst both operate independently of each other but also work in tandem.
Thanks to an optimised driving experience from seamless switching of the power source, as well as the self-charging technology (which means no plugging-in), you can drive a Toyota Hybrid Electric vehicle like you would drive a conventionally fuelled vehicle.
Power source - Battery electric motor and petrol engine
Offering the versatility to drive with electric energy or a combination of petrol and electric, a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) has a fuel tank and a large battery which uses advanced technology to 'self-charge' whilst the vehicle is in use.
Power source - Battery electric motor and petrol engine
Like the HEV, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) uses electric energy or both petrol and electric energy in tandem. With a fuel tank and a battery which is charged through an external charging point, the only difference is the way the battery is charged.
Power source - Battery electric motor
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) powers itself with purely electrical energy, stored in a battery which is mainly recharged with electricity from an external charging point.
Power source - Hydrogen fuel powered electric motor
Like BEVs, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are powered by electrical energy. However, the energy is produced in a fuel cell stack from hydrogen gas stored on board, which is then converted into electricity. This power source emits nothing but water.
Toyota Hybrid Explained
The technology in a Toyota Hybrid vehicle works together to give you the best possible mileage from both the electric and petrol power sources.
As hybrid vehicles use an electric motor to power the car, when accelerating from a stationary position, the vehicle draws power from the battery to pull away more efficiently - making it one of the main reasons a hybrid vehicle is better suited to city driving than a conventional petrol car.
A hybrid vehicle is most efficient during normal cruising as the petrol engine is only used to support the electric motor or to convert excess power into electricity, which is stored for later use.
Both power sources work together to deliver increased power to the wheels for heavy acceleration. The petrol engine powers the generator and the electric motor uses electricity from the battery and generator as needed.
Using an advanced technology called 'regenerative braking', when braking or reducing speed, Toyota Hybrid cars use the spinning motion of the wheels to power the vehicle's generator, producing electricity and storing it in the battery for later use.
When reaching a complete stop, the Toyota Hybrid vehicle turns off both conventional and electric power sources - using the battery power to run everything it needs to, for example, air conditioning, music, lights etc.
Explore The Toyota Hybrid Electric Range
Browse our Toyota hybrid electric range and find the best vehicle for your needs. Whether you need extra space, a small city car our range has a hybrid electric for everyone.
We know that hybrid electric technology is complex and there is lots to find out about this intricate technology. Explore some of our frequently asked questions here.
Discover The Benefits Of Toyota Hybrid
Thanks to an average of 54% of Toyota Hybrid journey times during test drives being completed in electric mode, learn how you can save on fuel costs, reduce CO2 emissions and more!
Keeping Your Toyota In Good Condition
As Toyota hybrid electric technology continues to evolve, keeping your vehicle in good condition is easier than ever. Learn everything you need to know about owning a Toyota Hybrid Electric car.
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