For many of the drivers of the 21st century, the first time we learned about the existence of hybrid technology was thanks to Toyota. His 1997 Prius was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle, based on a Japanese brand’s 1974 patent and by now having surpassed 3.5 million units sold worldwide.
Enjoying the reliability and efficiency of Toyota vehicles does not mean giving up the highest standards of performance and comfort. This is demonstrated by the more than 18 million hybrids of the brand that have already circulated since the first Prius was launched, just over two decades ago.
Toyota took on a challenge in 1994 that, at that time, seemed like a utopia in the automotive industry: to create a car that is respectful with the environment, with lower fuel consumption and emissions and that incorporates everything that you can ask of a vehicle as standard. : power, comfort and safety.
The Japanese brand did not seek to remain in an experiment or a striking prototype: it wanted to clearly bet on hybrid electric technology and make it an accessible alternative for everyone.
Three years later, its first electric hybrid vehicle – the Toyota Prius – was launched on the market and has become an emblem and icon of electrification. Since the milestone that marked the Prius, Toyota has managed to become a leader in the segment with spectacular sales: more than 18.5 million units of electrified models sold worldwide since 1997, 3.7 million units of them in Europe or more than 300,000 in Spain.
Nearly a quarter century of innovation focused on electrification has resulted in the most comprehensive range of electrified vehicles, meaning that customers can choose from more technology options.
Electric hybrids
The Toyota hybrid electric technology –which was patented in 1974– has evolved into an intelligent power management and propulsion selection system (combustion or electric motorcycles), depending on the road surface and the needs of the vehicle. driver. The offer today includes 9 models in the Spanish market.
Plug-in hybrids
Toyota’s plug-in hybrid models offer the same benefits as the electric hybrid range, but with increased performance and the ability to go further on purely electric power. Once charged, they reach a range of more than 75 km without generating emissions or consuming fuel. For longer journeys, its efficient gasoline-electric system takes care of propulsion management. Prius Plug-in and RAV4 Plug-in are for sale in Spain.
Battery electric
They operate solely on electrical energy, so they do not consume fuel or generate emissions. Toyota’s battery models provide a refined and exhilarating driving style, thanks to the instantaneous torque of the electric motors, and also require lower maintenance costs. Currently, a couple of EV options are available on commercial models, but in the coming years Toyota’s offering in 100% electric models will grow exponentially.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric
Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, which is why the new generation of Toyota vehicles use this cutting-edge technology based on a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen inside fuel cells (rather than in the combustion of fossil fuels). Although it was originally developed to power spacecraft, fuel cells currently have a much broader potential for application. Like the Prius among electric hybrids, Mirai is the pioneer of fuel cell electrics, Toyota’s spearhead for a hydrogen-based society.
