Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius [ˈpri.əs] is a hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation.

The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.[1]

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in 2007, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the U.S.[2] The UK Department for Transport also reported the Prius is tied as the sixth least CO2-emitting vehicle on sale in the UK.[3]

Models

1997–2000 (model NHW10)

The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale in December 1997.[5] It was sold only in Japan, though it has been imported privately to the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.[6] Many of these cars are now being exported as second-hand vehicles to New Zealand and other countries.[7]

2001–2003 (model NHW11)

The 2001–2003 Prius for the United States market was powered by a 1.5-liter 4 cylinder[8] gasoline engine, a permanent magnet AC electric motor, and a 274-volt nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. The gasoline engine developed 70hp (52kW) and 82ft·lbf (111N·m) of torque. The electric motor generated a maximum of 44hp (33kW) and 258ft·lbf (350N·m) of torque. Japanese versions were less powerful.[9]

The engine and motor power were increased over the previous model. Air conditioning and a continuously variable transmission were standard equipment.[10]

In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between the smaller Echo and the larger Corolla. The published retail price of the car was US$19,995.[11] The California Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).[12]

European sales began in September 2000.[13]