Hybrid Prius C

The PRIUS c 5-door hatchback joins the PRIUS, PRIUS V, CAMRY Hybrid and HIGHLANDER Hybrid as a hybrid model for Toyota. 

Hybrid Synergy Drive means that the vehicle contains a gasoline engine and an electric motor for power. The two hybrid power sources are stored on board the vehicle: 

1. Gasoline stored in the fuel tank for the gasoline engine.

2. Electricity stored in a high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack for the electric motor. 

The result of combining these two power sources is improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to charge the battery pack; unlike a pure all electric vehicle, the PRIUS c never needs to be charged from an external electric power source. 

Depending on the driving conditions one or both sources are used to power the vehicle. The following illustration demonstrates how the PRIUS c operates in various driving modes.

(1) During light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor. The gasoline engine is shut off. 

(2) During normal driving, the vehicle is powered mainly by the gasoline engine. The gasoline engine also powers the generator to charge the battery pack and to drive the electric motor.

(3) During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor power the vehicle. 

(4) During deceleration, such as when braking, the vehicle regenerates kinetic energy from the front wheels to produce electricity that charges the battery pack.

(5) While the vehicle is stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor are off, however the vehicle remains on and operational.