Going Green

MANILA, Philippines - And here you thought it would never really happen…

Toyota, the country’s undisputed leader in automotive industry sales, has added another feather to its already decorated cap by introducing the first hybrid vehicle into the Philippine market. Last Friday, June 29, Toyota Motor Philippines officially launched the third generation Prius – and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

For the uninformed, the Toyota Prius is the world’s best selling hybrid vehicle. Since its debut in 1997, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle has been sold in over 40 countries and regions around the world. In fact, as of March 31 of this year, its cumulative sales already exceeded 1.25 million units. The 2009 Prius – a third-generation model – will be launched in over 80 countries worldwide to further promote hybrid technology. And we, poor old third world market that we are, are part of that global strategy nonetheless.

What exactly is it? Well, let’s just say that the Prius is Toyota’s poster boy for earth-friendliness. The Prius’ newly developed 1.8-liter gasoline engine reduces rpm and lowers fuel consumption at high speeds. The ample output and torque result to improved overall performance and economy. In addition to this, the Prius employs Toyota’s first electric-powered water pump which contributes to the engine’s efficiency, requiring no belts under its hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

It does all this by combining two separate sources of power – an electric motor and a conventional combustion engine. As it starts off, the Prius runs solely on electric power. The moment it speeds up, both the electric motor and the engine drive the wheels to achieve smooth acceleration. An intelligent management system controls both the motor and the engine for high performance. The vehicle can also run solely on the electric motor at slow-cruising speeds.

Another very notable and energy-maximizing feature of the Prius is its regenerative breaking. This allows the motor-generator to recharge itself by converting kinetic energy into stored electric energy, which could be used later on, as the vehicle starts to move again. Furthermore, the engine shuts down when the vehicle comes to rest. The system conserves fuel and minimizes CO2 emissions by limiting engine operation.

The result? The Prius can give up to 38km/l, while providing power similar to a larger 2.4-liter engine. Astounding, you say? Perhaps. But this is exactly why the Prius is such a welcome addition to the local automotive scene – prohibitive pricing notwithstanding. Toyota officials revealed that the Prius, due to heavy tax requirements, will initially be sold for P2.25 million, which may be a bit unheard of for a 1.8-liter Toyota. But then again, we’ve never really seen anything like it on our streets before – at least not on this level.

See, apart from the fact that it opens up the door to hybrid technology on a mass scale, the third generation Prius also comes with several other upgrades not previously available on other hybrids. Aside from its standard hybrid setting, for example, the new Prius also comes with three alternative driving modes. The Eco Mode helps drivers achieve their best mileage with emphasis on fuel efficiency. For a sportier feel, the Power Mode offers more agile driving due to more reactive accelerator response. The EV (Electric Vehicle) Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds, if conditions permit. This results to quiet, smooth and zero-emission operation – and real time versatility for differing road conditions.

There are also improvements in the third generation Prius’ electrical and dampening systems despite several of its parts being smaller and lighter. The power control unit, for example, uses a boost converter to raise system voltage to a maximum of 650V, despite the overall reduction of the hybrid battery’s size. Also, the uses of sound-absorbing and vibration-controlling materials, and the adoption of a high-rigidity body, help further minimize noise in the cabin. The high-output nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery, meanwhile, features smaller cooling intake/exhaust ducts and fans which maximize energy storage capacity. Its size is also more compact and is strategically tucked in the rear area to increase cargo space, specifically 30 liters more than that of the second-generation Prius.

Plus, there are several upgrades as well on the comfort front, beginning with the world’s first Touch Tracer Display, which allows the driver to view the toggling movement on the display screen as the steering wheel audio, air conditioning and display switches are depressed. The Heads-Up Display (HUD) provides safety and convenience through reflecting the Hybrid System Indicator onto the windshield glass just in front of the driver’s line of sight, for minimal eye movement and better concentration on the road. Visibility is also ensured with the HUD’s height and brightness adjustment switches.

And, apart from the standard safety equipment that we are used to seeing in conventional automobiles, the Prius features such new safety technologies as the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), seven Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags and an Active Headrest for the driver and front passenger. The “Global Outstanding Assessment” body has been further developed to create an advanced collision-safety structure to reduce injuries of both passengers and pedestrians.

Despite all the goodies that already come with it, Toyota officials say that this amazing new automobile is a mere glimpse into an even brighter and more earth-friendly future. “The Toyota Prius offers just a preview of the latest innovations in hybrid engineering and leading-edge technologies. In continuously finding ways to improve fuel economy, reduce oil consumption and harmful emissions, Toyota is working towards its ultimate goal of sustainable mobility,” said TMP first vice president Danny Isla at the launch.

Oh yeah. You thought it would never really happen. We all did. Aren’t you glad to be mistaken?