Toyota Prius Hybrid Launch!

Barbados' First Hybrid Powered Vehicle Launch Event!

Come down to NASSCO Limited on Wednesday March 31 to get an up close and personal view of the new 3rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid Vehicle. This vehicle is powered by an electric motor along with a 1.8 Litre gasoline engine.

Introducing the 3rd Generation Prius

The 3rd generation Prius operates seamlessly between the gasoline engine and electric motor for excellent fuel savings. The Prius is also equipped with an electric water pump, electric air conditioning and electric power steering that can operate on battery power, which allows the main electrical components to run on battery power, eliminating the need for the engine to be running in traffic or when decelerating. The 1.8 Litre Gasoline engine only runs when heavy acceleration is required, the vehicle battery is too low to operate the main electrical components or if the speed of the vehicle is high.

Recharging the Hybrid Battery

The battery used to operate the electric motor and various other electrical components is recharged through many sources of energy. The primary charging device is the gasoline engine that will cut in when power is low and to assist with acceleration. Another power source that is used to charge the battery is the braking system. When brakes are applied on the 3rd Generation Prius, some of the energy is captured and is used to charge the battery. The final source of power is derived from deceleration of the vehicle. When releasing the accelerator, the momentum of the Prius is used to generate electricity to charge the battery and when going downhill, the driver can shift the gear lever into a charging mode that will assist in controlling the downhill speed of the vehicle while providing a high rate of charge to the battery.

Come and see the Prius at NASSCO Limited on Wednesday March 31, 2010!