Toyota Introduces New Generation of Prius Hybrid Models

While other automakers have made the move to go all-electric, Toyota Motor introduced new versions of the Prius hybrid and Prius Prime on Tuesday. Both models are considered “electrified” not completely electric. “They continue to utilize gas-powered engines along with electric components that make the vehicles more fuel-efficient,” according to CNBC. 

The new version of the Prius hybrid car has a noticeably different exterior. “It’s lower, longer and sleeker looking, with just less than a 10% improvement in the model’s vaunted fuel efficiency,” per CNN. 

The hybrid Prius produces electricity to charge its own batteries. It also “will produce up to 196 horsepower, 62% more than the current model’s 121 peak horsepower” while managing to get about 57 miles per gallon of gasoline, CNN reported. 

The Prius Prime uses more powerful batteries that can be charged by the car itself or through a plug. The model also has multiple modes: EV (electric Vehicle) Mode, EV Auto Mode and HV (Hybrid Vehicle). According to Toyota’s website, these modes ensure that the driver stays in control. 

Since the launch of the Prius in 1997, Toyota has sold more than 20 million electrified vehicles worldwide which have led to an avoided 160 million tons of CO2 emissions, CNBC reported.