How Toyota Hybrid Electric & Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Work

 

Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine gas engines with electric motors to generate electricity as you drive. While your vehicle is in motion, Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive seamlessly, and automatically, chooses the optimal source and blend of motive power. And because the system recharges as you drive, you never need to plug-in the hybrid electric vehicle.

 

STARTING UP

In most conditions, only the electric motor is engaged, saving fuel and delivering instant torque with minimal emissions.

ACCELERATING AND CRUISING

The gas engine and electric motor team up to provide the ideal mix of power for seamless acceleration. Excess energy is used to help recharge the battery.

DECELERATING AND BRAKING

The electric motor takes over. The regenerative braking system converts braking energy into electric energy to help recharge the battery onboard the vehicle.

RESTING AND REVERSING

When stopped, the gas engine shuts down to conserve fuel – unless the battery is running low. When reversing at low speed, only the electric motor is required.

 

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

 

Toyota plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) operate much the same way as regular Toyota hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, they can also be optionally plugged in – enabling you to extend your electric-only driving range. RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime are great examples of PHEV technology.

 

 

Reasons To Choose Hybrid Electric

 

The reasons to choose an electrified Toyota vehicle are as diverse as the lives we lead. And with a wide range of hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric models, we have one to help you get the most out of life.

 

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE

Toyota HEVs and PHEVs create more instant torque and smoother acceleration off the line than conventional gas engine vehicles.

DRIVE LIKE YOU ALWAYS HAVE

Toyota’s electrified powertrains work seamlessly in the background, so you don’t need to change a thing about how you drive or how you fuel your vehicle.

NO ADDITIONAL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Toyota’s electrified vehicles need no additional routine maintenance. They are also covered by an extensive warranty, including 10 years or 240,000 km for the hybrid battery.

EXTENDED RANGE

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can optionally be plugged in for extended electric-only range. For example, Prius Prime PHEV can travel up to 1,035 km** with a full tank of gas and a full electric charge.

REDUCE YOUR FOOTPRINT

Toyota’s electrified vehicles have prevented over 94 million tons of CO2 emissions globally since we launched the original Prius in 1997.

BE PART OF A MOVEMENT

By 2050, Toyota is committed to making a net positive impact, including the reduction of emissions of new Toyota vehicles by 90% in comparison to 2010 levels – of both electrified and conventional gas engine vehicles.

REUSE AND RECYCLE

Once the time comes, Toyota’s electrified vehicle batteries can be dismantled and recycled or repurposed just like any other battery.

SAFETY FIRST

All Toyota HEVs and PHEVs and their components have been designed and tested for life in Canada. They also adhere to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and come with standard Toyota Safety Sense.

WINTER READY

All Toyota vehicles have been extensively tested in cold weather — so they’re ready to take on whatever a Canadian winter might bring.

BATTERIES DESIGNED TO LAST

Over 98% of Toyota hybrid electric vehicles sold in Canada since 2001 have never had their original battery replaced. Starting with 2020 model year vehicles, all hybrid batteries are now backed by a 10-year/240,000 km warranty.* (*Whichever comes first)