Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive

Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • Why would I choose a Toyota hybrid?

    Toyota is the world leader in hybrid vehicles with sales of more than 1.5 million, far more than any other manufacturer. The Prius was first launched in Japan in 1998 with many other Toyota hybrid models released since that time.

    More than one million Prius have been sold worldwide and more than 10,000 in Australia. The Toyota Prius has been named Green Engine of the year again in 2008. Toyota has been honoured 19 times since the awards were launched in 1999, including 10 awards for Hybrid Synergy Drive, which powers the current-generation Prius.

  • How different are they from 'normal' cars?

    In all other respects, hybrid Camry and Prius are fully normal cars capable of seating five adults comfortably. They drive like regular automatic cars, use regular unleaded fuel and have large luggage capabilities.

    Toyota hybrid cars are so simple to operate that they are now becoming popular rental car models in Australia. Try one for yourself next time you travel to one of the major capital cities.

  • How long can I run on just the electric engine?

    Toyota's hybrid cars are powered by both a petrol engine and an electric motor. Depending on the power output required, either may power the car and at times they work together. In standard State of Charge a Prius can travel for one to two kilometres of a level road on battery power. This is because the car has an in-built battery protection system to prevent overcharging and also discharging. These measures contribute to the long battery life of Prius batteries.

  • Is the petrol engine on continuously?

    No, it isn't. That is the advantage of Toyota's hybrid system. When the petrol engine is not needed for power or to recharge the battery, the petrol engine automatically switches off, such as when the car is stationary (such as at traffic lights) or when coasting or travelling downhill.

  • Is the petrol engine always required?

    Hybrid Camry and Prius can be driven for short distances on electric power only. This is particularly useful in stop-start traffic, for reducing emissions in your garage or for a short quiet drive through your neighbourhood.

  • Will there be any Toyota 4WD hybrids coming to Australia?

    Toyota constantly examines its model range. Currently there are no short-term plans for Toyota hybrid 4WDs in Australia. However, Lexus currently sell two All Wheel Drive hybrids, the RX400h and the LS600hL saloon.

  • Can you drive a hybrid in extreme cold or hot weather?

    Toyota's hybrid cars are designed to operate in the same range of conditions and temperatures as our conventional vehicles.

  • What is the towing capacity of a hybrid?

    The innovative technologies and nature of the hybrid system may be adversely affected by any significant increase in loads. Therefore, none of our hybrid models are approved or recommended for towing at present.

  • When will we have plug-in kits available in Australia?

    There are no short-term plans to release plug-in hybrids in Australia. Toyota is currently trialling the technology in Europe, the US and Japan. For more information about these trials and other developments of plug-in hybrids, please visit www.toyota.co.jp

  • Will there be an Aurion hybrid built?

    There are no plans to build an Aurion hybrid at this time. Currently, Toyota is committed to optimising the efficiency of hybrid technology in its four cylinder engines.

  • Are there any tax breaks?

    In Australia, some states offer small incentives on registration and new car stamp duty, but there are no specific tax breaks for owners of hybrid vehicles. Toyota will continue to lobby all levels of government for the introduction of incentives for consumers for fuel efficient and low emission vehicles.

Batteries and HSD hybrid technology

  • Do I have to plug my car in to recharge the battery?

    The current hybrid Camry and Prius recharge themselves while driving. You never have to plug them into a power point. In fact there is nowhere on the car to even plug one in. Toyota is working on technology called a 'Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle', which would have such a feature and which would allow extended travel on electric power alone.

  • Is a hybrid engine really clean?

    Prius is the cleanest production family car in the world, emitting just 106g/km of carbon dioxide. It has an official combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.4 litres/100km*.

    Prius was the first car to achieve 5 stars on the Green Vehicle guide published by the Australian Greenhouse office.

    Carbon emissions are only one measure of a car's tail pipe emissions. To be truly clean you need a balance of low CO2 plus low air toxic emissions. These are typically the gas and particle emissions we all see as smog.

    The Prius has been recognised globally as a clean vehicle achieving many awards and certification to the toughest environmental standards in the world. Many other engine technologies are yet to achieve emissions low enough to satisfy these emerging low emission standards. You can find out more on air toxic emissions and their affects on air quality and health by visiting www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au or other websites including www.arb.ca.gov.

    *Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/01 combined cycle.
  • Is hybrid technology here for the long term?

    Toyota is committed to developing hybrid systems as a core technology. Globally, the goal is to reach one million hybrid sales per year during the 2010s. Toyota's worldwide goal is to approach zero impact on the environment in all our activities, including vehicles and production. While we can never achieve zero impact, we always strive to do better - and hybrid technology is an important part of that effort.

  • Are hybrids safe?

    Toyota has adopted numerous safeguards, including automatic disablement mechanisms to ensure safety in the event of an accident.

  • What is the carbon footprint of making a hybrid battery?

    Our hybrid batteries are made up of metals like steel, nickel and copper, and they also contain plastic components. Therefore, we would expect the carbon footprint of the battery would be very similar to the other hi-tech components that come together to make a vehicle.

    As a point of comparison between the two popular forms of alternative fuel, it is worth noting that the battery modules of hybrid cars are relatively small and lightweight compared with the components needed for a diesel-powered vehicle. A diesel automatic vehicle of a similar size may be more than 200 kilograms heavier than a Prius.

    Prius batteries are also recyclable, and Toyota has a program through its dealers to arrange recycling of hybrid batteries at no cost to the owner.

  • How often would I have to replace the battery?

    The battery is designed to last the typical life of the vehicle. It is kept at an optimum charge level, which gives it an extended life.

    Our confidence in hybrid technology is boosted as we now have considerable real-life experience in Australia with Prius vehicles operating nationally in a wide range of harsh environments. An example of Prius's durability is the large fleets of Prius taxis emerging. We are now aware of many vehicles driving more than 300,000km without the need to replace batteries - many times the normal use of a typical car in Australia by consumers.

  • How does long-term storage affect the battery?

    A Prius has two batteries: a 12-volt battery for onboard accessories and systems, and a main battery for the hybrid motor. While the main hybrid battery will remain charged for a very long time, the 12-volt battery is not dissimilar to that contained within any other vehicle with high-tech systems on board. If you intend to store your vehicle for any length of time, Toyota recommends that the vehicle be started and run every six months for around 5-10 minutes, to prevent the 12-volt battery from running low.

  • How are the batteries disposed of once they die?

    The Toyota Prius and other models are designed to be recycled easily and efficiently. Many of the components are made of recyclable materials or are designed for easy end of life disassembly. Toyota has had a recycling program in place for hybrid car batteries since 1998 in Japan and since launch of Prius hybrid in Australia since 2001. The battery recycling program is at no cost to the customer and is coordinated at any Toyota dealer service department. Details of the recycling process and Toyota's recycling technologies are available on www.toyota.co.jp

Servicing and running costs

  • Will it cost more to insure a hybrid vehicle?

    Insurance costs are at the discretion of insurance companies, and the cost can vary. There is generally little or no extra cost associated with repairing a hybrid car and Toyota's hybrid repair parts are as competitively priced as the parts for any other Toyota vehicle. As the new hybrid Camry will share many common parts with the petrol Camry, we would expect a similar insurance premium would apply relative to its value.

  • Does a hybrid cost more to service?

    Maintaining a hybrid doesn't cost any more than a conventional Toyota car, and may even cost less due to decreased wear and tear on the engine and braking system. Toyota is well known for its low cost of car ownership. Prius has routine service costs similar to other popular and economical Toyota models like Corolla. Toyota has also recently announced a new initiative for customers called the Toyota Service Advantage, which further reduces standard scheduled servicing costs for Prius and other new Toyota models. Details are available at http://advantage.toyota.com.au.

Hybrid Camry

  • Why did Toyota decide to manufacture the hybrid Camry in Australia?

    Toyota's decision is the culmination of an intensive study which included discussions with the Federal and Victorian governments, which have a strong desire to see new, environmentally-friendly technologies introduced to Australia.

    Both governments continue to provide strong support to the Australian automotive industry and shared in this historic announcement which is positive for Toyota, local car manufacturing and the Australian community.

    In addition, the growing demand for our Prius hybrid also confirmed that there is a need for more hybrid models in our line up.

  • How much bigger is the Camry battery?

    Physically, Camry and Prius batteries are very similar in size.

  • Will a Camry battery be more expensive to replace than a Prius battery?

    The Prius has exceptional battery life. Only a small number of Prius in Australia (less than 0.2%) have required battery replacements since the vehicle was first launched in Australia in October 2001. We expect this great battery life to continue with the hybrid Camry. There is unlikely to be any major cost difference for battery replacement between the two vehicles.

  • Will the hybrid Camry be cheaper than a Prius?

    Pricing has not yet been finalised, but we expect the hybrid Camry to be competitive with other cars of similar size and specification.

  • Is the hybrid Camry Australia's first local hybrid?

    Hybrid Camry will be the first commercially available hybrid vehicle manufactured in Australia. The decision was announced in June 2008 to begin manufacturing a hybrid version of the Camry Sedan at the Altona plan in Melbourne from the beginning of 2010.