One of the most interesting solutions in the automotive industry is the emergence of hybrid engines. Cars of this kind are designed to minimize fuel consumption, as well as serve faithfully to their owner. Among the most popular hybrid vehicles is the Toyota Prius ZVW30. Today it is considered one of the best in its class. But there is also an opinion that the third generation Prius is a rather mediocre car with many problems. Therefore, in order not to unfoundedly voice specific information, it is worth finding out: what are the disadvantages of the Prius, and is it worth buying it.

Specifications:

• Modification (engine): 1.8 CVT (100 kW (134) hp/5200 rpm), Multipoint injection, hybrid petrol;
• Transmission: ECVT (variator)
• Max speed: 180 km/h;
• suspension type:
• Front suspension - Independent - McPherson;
• Rear Suspension - Semi-independent
• Clearance: 140 mm
• Tire and rim sizes: P195/65R15
• body type: hatchback
• Average fuel consumption: 1.8 CVT - 3.9 l / 100 km.
• Load capacity: 435 kg.

The Toyota Prius has easily taken the lead in hybrid vehicles. It was easy, since there is no particular competition in this market segment. Only Honda was able to put a hybrid car with a fairly competitive modification on the market, but Toyota still outperformed it in all respects.

But, if we take into account all the cars of this class, the Toyota Prius will be approximately in the middle of the ranking. Now sales of this machine are stable, but they are far short of those planned by the manufacturer. A number of shortcomings and frankly weak points make drivers regret their choice.

What is most interesting, the first generation Prius, which was released for the first time back in 1997, has the least complaints. The second generation Prius, in the NHW20 body, and the third generation Prius, in the ZVW30 body, were already developed on its basis.

Weaknesses of the third generation Toyota Prius

• Fuel system;
• hybrid system;
• Inverter and inverter cooling pump;
• Salon.

Let's go into more detail...

Fuel system.

First of all, Prius owners note that the car's fuel consumption is much higher than stated. When repairing the fuel system, a new unpleasant surprise awaits. For some reason, the fuel filter was placed in the gas tank, which greatly complicates repairs and raises the price.

The first thing that catches your eye right after the purchase (according to eyewitnesses-owners) is more fuel consumption than stated. But ... it is immediately worth noting that the indicators announced by the manufacturer are achievable during normal driving on city roads or highways. In reality, the operation of the audio system, air conditioning or stove (in summer and winter, respectively) and other factors that increase consumption are added to this. Without this, the numbers on the information board correspond to the declared ones. The only exceptions may be cars whose mileage has exceeded 250-300 thousand km - here we can really talk about increased fuel costs.

hybrid system.

It is, in principle, still the same as in the second generation Prius, but at a higher level. The electric motor is now more powerful, its connection with the gasoline engine is still provided by a planetary gear. But this led to the appearance of excessive noise at high speeds. Also, the updated system is very uneven at idle.

According to the manufacturers, this car is fully designed for trips around the city and, with proper operation and timely maintenance, it will not need repair and replacement of any parts for a long time. In fact, it turned out to be the opposite.

There are two possible variants of malfunctions that may occur during the operation of the car.

• The first is a breakdown of the inverter: the cost of this part is quite high, but ... when buying one from an authorized dealer. Practice shows that in ordinary auto parts stores, buying parts is much cheaper, so the solution to this issue does not seem difficult.
• The second sore of this engine is batteries: when one or a couple of elements fail, official workshops will insist on a complete replacement of the entire unit, which will cost a pretty penny. In fact, you can replace (even on your own, after reading the necessary information) non-working elements and continue to ride.
• Problems when operating in areas of low temperatures Prius equipped with a lithium-ion battery, after 2010, began to be installed on the Toyota Prius PHV (35 body), Prius Alpha ZVW-40 (7 seats), Prius V, Prius +, as well as the fourth generation Prius (ZVW51). Li-Ion has become much more compact due to which in some models it is located between the front seats, but it is sensitive to frost, unlike nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH).

Inverter and inverter cooling pump.

The cooling pump for the inverter has obvious disadvantages, as it often breaks down. The driver needs to carefully monitor its condition, as the inverter also instantly overheats and must be replaced.

There is a frequent breakdown in the inverter cooling pump if, for any reason, the level of antifreeze in the tank drops. A pump failure causes the inverter to overheat and, of course, it becomes completely unusable and requires a complete replacement. The price of the inverter, if it can be found, reaches one hundred thousand rubles.

Advice! Prius owners should keep a close eye on the presence of antifreeze in the pump reservoir and for any vehicle computer warnings. The cooling system is a weak point of this model and can bring a lot of surprises.

For unknown reasons, the front panel of the Toyota Prius was modeled after sports models. The owner of such a machine does not really like this, especially since it has a lot of buttons in an uncomfortable order. The designers did not take care of the intuitive control panel, they just wanted to improve the second generation version as much as possible.

In the process of using the car, it becomes clear that low-quality materials went to the interior trim. They peel off on their own, the plastic parts begin to rattle.

The main disadvantages of Toyota Prius 30 2009–2015 release

There are a number of general disadvantages that you should definitely pay attention to:

1. Too low clearance;
2. Souring brake caliper;
3. Steering rack. Here is a pig in a poke: for some it works properly even with high mileage, while for someone it fails already at 50-70 thousand kilometers. But this is really the weak side of the Prius, so when buying one you just need to be prepared .;
4. High chance of damaging the hybrid part in an accident;

Conclusion.

However, in the third generation, the Prius really became faster and more powerful. It remains to be hoped that in the next serial releases, manufacturers will finalize this model.

When buying a Toyota Prius, it is necessary to carry out a complete computer and conventional diagnostics. The specialist must determine the degree of wear of all components and systems of the vehicle. Repairing even one node is a very expensive fun. Inspection of the body is also required at all joints.

When buying a new or used Toyota Prius, you need to remember that not every specialist can handle its repair. It is best to carry out its inspection and repair at specialized services, and they can not be found in every city.

P.S.: Dear car owners, if you have noticed systematic breakdowns of any parts, assemblies of this model, please report it in the comments below.

Was last modified: March 26th, 2019 by Administrator

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37 posts per article “ Weaknesses and main disadvantages of the Toyota Prius 30 with mileage”

1. Sergey

   20 Prius from Europe 147,000 of my 30,000 km 2008 release in my operation for 4 years in Siberia. having read, I replaced the pump (whether it is necessary) the backlight lamps burned twice and the dipped beam 1 time. The right hub of the front wheel rustled - replaced, replaced the small accumulator 1 time. I change the oil filter in the engine as expected. I bought it once and changed it in a box. There is an interesting joke, if you miss turning off the dipped beam when parking (I myself am a little deaf and I don’t hear squeaking when I go out) in winter, the small Akum did not have enough dipped and side light for 4 hours. the machine can be started with a battery from any screwdriver. one truth is not conveniently interferes with the button to open the hood. you need to keep it pressed (put a bracket next to it that does this - it will hold the hood open button) and VU alyayyyyyyaya two wires with alligator clips on + in the safety block and any body bolt. starts up. At the same time, the relay and the vacuum amplifier system start to turn on first.
   The body is cold, or rather, it warms up for a long time in winter. consumption on the highway 5.2 l / 100km. in the city 9l / 100km but in the city I have a very low mileage from home to work 1.7km and stop for 4 hours then again 1.7km with this cycle, the consumption is large 9l in winter, of course, even the engine does not really warm up.
   I LIKE my son 30 ka. oddly enough, I like it less than 20 ka (subjective assessment).
   healthy car

2. Andrey

   Bought a Prius 30 2014 with 130,000 km on it. Now 132,000 km. Consumption while the city and highway 4.5-5.5 liters on average. The machine is very free.

3. Roman Ivanovich

   My car in 2010 took a 2 year old from Europe. Ground clearance is very low. There are no breakdowns. Of the sores do not hold the door when you open it and the wear of the rear brake guides for 5 years. All. Listen to more of this writing. Yes, I myself killed the battery ahead of time on the run of 180 thousand, the fuel ran out, but I was in a hurry. I pressed the gas to the floor and completely dropped the VVB for which it was not designed. Took out the ramp. Under the replacement of 14 elements, there are 28 of them. I decided to put a new battery. This is all.

4. Dmitriy

   This writing has nothing to do with reality!
   Six years ago, I took this car with the goal of driving for a couple of months until I found a replacement for my SUV, but it wasn’t there. I fell in love with this car! You can drive at least a thousand kilometers on it and not get tired, everything is intuitive. To break something, you have to be a complete loser. The battery has a resource of 7-9 years, it does not affect the mileage in any way, on the contrary. Nickel-metal hydride batteries do not like to be idle and fail faster due to long periods of inactivity. Consumption will be as you like, from 4 l / 100km to 7.5 more you simply cannot. I always drive with the pedal to the floor and it doesn't work for me. The pump is electronic and even if it dies, the car will immediately report it. An inverter can be bought from Japan for a penny, a battery with a partial replacement will cost 20 rubles, but in 7 years you will spend more on maintenance with a car with a traditional internal combustion engine. On the Prius, MOT consists of changing the oil and filters! No rollers, belts, whistles, current slats and other hemorrhoids! He rides even at low, even at high speed, very cheerfully, cars of 400 horses each stopped me at traffic lights to find out how many horses I have. And the horses in the Prius 30 on the internal combustion engine are 99 and on the electric generator 37, and the tax is only 99. The high mass does not allow you to get stuck in soft snow and other difficulties, but if you sit down, then take the cable tighter. At high speed, the car goes like on rails, the responsiveness is just awesome. The only negative is the clearance of 140 mm, but this is easily solved by installing spacers. So stop pissing people off!!! Just take a ride on it once and you will understand everything!

Toyota Prius is currently the best-selling hybrid car on the planet. Since 1997, over 2 million hybrids have been sold. For the first three years, the car was sold exclusively in Japan. Today Toyota Prius can be bought in Russia. The mass hybrid survived three generations. In 2014, another restyling of the model took place.

The principle of operation of the Toyota Prius hybrid power plant is as follows. A 1.8-liter petrol engine with just 99 horsepower sends torque to a generator, which in turn charges a nickel-metal hydride high-voltage battery. The Prius battery powers the electric motors that power the car. The most interesting thing is that the latest generation of the hybrid can also be charged from a regular household outlet, which makes the car even more economical. Also, when braking, kinetic energy, through the recuperation system, slightly recharges the battery. That is, the Prius has two braking systems, regenerative and conventional friction, which starts to work with heavy braking.

Many are primarily interested in the dynamic performance and fuel consumption of the Toyota Prius. It's no secret, the Prius's acceleration to hundreds takes just over 10 seconds, and fuel consumption in the city is 3.9 liters, on the highway this figure is slightly less and is 3.7 liters. AI-95 gasoline is used as fuel. The maximum speed of a hybrid car today is 180 km/h

Toyota Prius gasoline engine works autonomously, that is, the computer system itself decides when to turn it on and when to turn it off. In urban traffic jams, the car usually moves on electric traction. As such, the car does not have a gearbox. The electric motor quickly picks up any speed. The power of the electric motor is 60 hp, plus 99 comes from the gasoline unit.

Appearance Toyota Prius determined by the desire to save fuel, so such a streamlined silhouette of the body of the car is not easy. The drag coefficient is 0.25, an important indicator when overcoming air resistance. This determines the entire shape of the body. The latest restyling brought the front of the car to the common denominator of the current corporate style. Therefore, the front end is very similar to the exterior of the Corolla. We are watching photos of the European version of the Prius.

Photo Toyota Prius

Salon Toyota Prius for passengers is not much different from a conventional car. However, the driver lives in a different reality. Dashboard, center console, gear lever, or rather the drive mode selector. All this at first glance is very unusual. Monitors and scoreboards constantly display information about the mode of operation of the electric motor, hybrid power plant. Interior trim materials, according to the manufacturer, are also very environmentally friendly. Photo salon Prius Further.

Photo salon Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius trunk it also differs little from the luggage compartment of a conventional hatchback, and the ability to fold the rear row of seats makes the car very practical in everyday life. The volume of the luggage compartment is 445 liters, which is a good indicator considering that there is a high-voltage battery under the trunk floor. Prius trunk photo see below.

Photo trunk Toyota Prius

Specifications Toyota Prius

Specifications of Toyota Prius very interesting. The hybrid is less than 4.5 meters in length, while the wheelbase is 2.7 meters, which makes the interior of the car very spacious. The mass of the machine is almost 1.5 tons. The ground clearance of the Prius is not large, only 140 mm. Although why a high ground clearance for a car that was created as an exclusively city car, under the wheels of which there should always be smooth asphalt.

The Prius 4-cylinder gasoline engine is a 16-valve DOHC with a variable valve timing system VVT-i, a displacement of 1.8 liters. With a power of 99 hp. torque is 142 Nm. We add to this an electric motor that produces 60 hp. at 207 Nm of torque and we get a fairly dynamic car.

Toyota Prius transmission It has exclusively front-wheel drive. In addition to the gasoline unit and electric motor, under the hood of the car is also a hybrid continuously variable transmission. Therefore, in the engine compartment, as they say, "the apple has nowhere to fall." Below are the detailed dimensions of the Prius.

Weight, volume, clearance, dimensions Toyota Prius

• Length - 4480 mm
• Width - 1745 mm
• Height - 1490 mm
• Wheelbase - 2700 mm
• Front and rear wheel track - 1525/1520 mm
• Overhang front / rear - 925/855 mm
• Cabin length - 1905 mm
• Cabin width - 1470 mm
• Cabin height - 1225 mm
• Toyota Prius trunk volume - 445 liters
• Fuel tank volume - 45 liters
• Tire size - 195/65 R15
• Ground clearance or ground clearance Toyota Prius - 140 mm

Options and price Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius price in the basic version today is 1,245,000 rubles. For the money, you get a well-packaged 5-door hatchback. The initial configuration of "Elegance" includes a fairly large set of options, including -

• 15" alloy wheels
• Power folding side mirrors with heating and repeaters
• LED daytime running lights
• Fog lights
• Rear View Camera
• 6.1 inch color LCD display in the center console
• Climate control
• Tilt and reach steering column
• Touch control system on-board computer on the steering wheel (Touch Tracer)
• Front airbags
• Curtain in the luggage compartment
• Smart Entry Vehicle Access System (Driver's Door)
• Polyurethane multifunction steering wheel
• Starting the engine "Push Start" (button start)
• Eco drive support monitor
• Head Up Display
• Audio system with CD/MP3/WMA support 6 speakers
• Side airbags
• Curtains for all rows of seats
• Driver's knee airbag
• Emergency Brake Assist (BAS)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear light-emitting diode (LED) lights
• Traction Control (TRC)

But this is not the limit, there are two more configurations, these are “Prestige” for 1,451,000 rubles and “Lux” for 1,595,000 rubles. A feature of the Prestige package is the presence of LED headlights, rain and light sensors, cruise control, an advanced audio system and a leather interior.

The “Lux” version will please with the presence of a sunroof and a solar panel on the same roof. The energy of the solar battery in this configuration goes to the operation of the automatic air conditioning system in the cabin. That is, you can leave the car in the parking lot under the hot sun, and the system itself will cool the interior.

The price of a hybrid Toyota Prius is, of course, higher than that of a conventional car. However, according to the manufacturer, over several years of active operation, it will be possible to save quite a lot of money on fuel. This is especially important in countries where gasoline is quite expensive.

Video Toyota Prius

Video review and test drive of the Prius, we are watching a rather interesting video.

Market prospects for sales of hybrid cars in our country are not as bright as in Japan, Europe or the USA. But hybrid technology does not stand still and continues to evolve. Recall that once mobile phones were not available to the general public, because they cost a lot of money, but the situation quickly improved. Let's hope that hybrid cars will become more affordable just as quickly.

The future of the Toyota brand is hybrid cars. While electric vehicles are not perfect and move without recharging up to a maximum of 150 km. The batteries of hybrid vehicles are recharged by the internal combustion engine, providing comfort and economy when driving over any distance.

Hybrid car device

The device of a hybrid car (for example, Toyota Prius) is based on a series-parallel circuit. For such vehicles, the torque to the wheels can be supplied both from the motor and from the motor-generator. At the same time, the power of the units varies depending on the degree of charge and the capabilities of the motor.

The design is based on an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, two generators and a power divider. The latter device allows you to get under way and move at low speeds exclusively on an electric motor. The internal combustion engine at this point will only provide the operation of the generator.

The hybrid vehicle is charged by a separate alternator, so the electric motor-generator is only used to drive the drive wheels. During high loads, such as climbing uphill or driving at high speed, the gasoline engine is actively involved in the work. The power divider controls the transfer of torque from the internal combustion engine to the wheels, redistributing part of it to charge the battery and generator.

Working principle of a hybrid car

The principle of operation of a hybrid car (for example, a Toyota Prius) is as follows: the start, initial acceleration and driving at low speeds are provided by an electric motor-generator, and at increased loads, a gasoline engine is connected. The computer regulates its operation so that the highest efficiency rates are provided.

The power divider gear, which transmits torque to the drive wheels, is rotated by an electric motor. The main principle of operation of a hybrid car is to form the gear ratio of the transmission by a power divider, it is he who distributes the level of involvement in the operation of each of the motors.

Such a scheme of a hybrid car is called series-parallel. She combined all the advantages of series and parallel circuits. As a result, the engineers of the Japanese auto concern were able to create the most reliable unit, because the torque is controlled using electronics, excluding the participation of multiple mechanical components and mechanisms.

The regenerative braking system also transfers kinetic energy to the generator, replenishing the battery reserve. For emergency braking, a conventional friction braking system is used.

Engine (ICE) of a hybrid vehicle

The motor of a car operating on the principle of a hybrid is primarily based on the principle of efficiency. For the Toyota Prius, Toyota engineers were able to produce a 1.8-liter unit with a capacity of 98 horsepower. Now the Toyota Prius hybrid consumption is approximately 4.5 liters per 100 km (5 liters in the city and 3.9 liters on the highway). In the cold season, regardless of the driving mode, fuel consumption increases by an average of 2 liters per 100 km. For refueling, the manufacturer recommends using AI-95 gasoline.

It is worth noting that it will take a little more than 10 seconds to disperse the car to a hundred. In this case, the maximum speed of the car will be 180 km / h.

The Toyota hybrid engine type was selected in terms of maximum efficiency. In modern hybrids, it is 40%. Such indicators made it possible to obtain the use of a motor operating on the Atkinson cycle. The main feature of such a gasoline engine is that the compression of the fuel lags behind the piston stroke. It starts a little later than the start of the piston movement to the top of the sleeve. Thanks to this trick, some of the fuel-air mixture is returned to the intake manifold.

This type of internal combustion engine gave the modern Toyota Prius engine the following advantages:

• increase in the stroke of the piston;
• increase in efficiency;
• reduction in fuel consumption;
• optimal design for operation in a narrow range of revolutions of the crankshaft;
• 122 horsepower of the total power of the propulsion system.

Toyota car electric motor

Toyota Prius has two electric motors: control and traction motor-generators. Both engines are powered by batteries.
Traction motor-generator provides auto start and initial acceleration. The control motor generator is responsible for charging the hybrid vehicle and also acts as a starter.

As a rule, the Toyota Prius moves around the city in the start / stop mode solely due to the electric installation.

The power of the Toyota Prius electric motor is determined by the following characteristics:

• 60 horsepower;
• 56 kW;
• 163 N*m.

Recent Prius models have added the ability to charge from an electrical outlet, making them even more economical. Minus one - a full charge of the battery will be 6 hours, so while the use of a vehicle without the participation of an internal combustion engine is inconvenient for traveling long distances.

Accumulator battery

There are two batteries on board the Toyota Prius:

1. Auxiliary vehicle battery with a capacity of 45 Ah.

2. The main nickel-metal hydride high-voltage battery with a capacity of 6.5 Ah and a voltage of 201.6 V, consisting of 168 cells.

A feature of the device of the main battery of the car is that they are equipped with their own cooling system.

At one time, the Toyota Prius was a pioneer among hybrid cars. Today, hybrid installations have been improved so that they are also installed on other more massive Toyota models, nevertheless, the Prius is deservedly included in the ranking of the best hybrid cars. The popularity of such a motor scheme can be explained by its environmental friendliness, efficiency and reliability, proven over the years.

Due to their efficiency and reliability, Toyota hybrid cars are of great interest to the consumer. Smooth running and stability on the road, it turns out, are not all the advantages of this Japanese car. Excellent driving performance of the machine is surprisingly combined with economical fuel consumption. The Toyota Prius hybrid car is powered by two power sources: electric motor And internal combustion engine(ICE).

Let's try to figure out how, with an increase in power, a car can consume gasoline at the level of a small car. The device of the Toyota Prius hybrid car consists of:

• internal combustion engine (ICE);
• electric motor;
• planetary gear (power divider);
• generator;
• inverter;
• battery.

The internal combustion engine and the electric motor can work simultaneously, alternately and complement each other if necessary. In a hybrid device, the power torque can be transferred to the wheels from the electric motor and the internal combustion engine directly in various proportions.

This is done using a planetary gearbox (power divider), which consists of a set of gears. Four of them are connected to a gasoline engine, and the outer one is connected to an electric motor. Another satellite is connected to the generator, which, if necessary, sends energy to the electric motor or charges the battery.

One of the main advantages of the Prius can be considered that, unlike electric vehicles, charging a hybrid car does not require a connection to the mains. The processor, which controls all the actions of the machine, recharges the battery from the internal combustion engine if necessary.

Working principle of a hybrid car

The main task of Toyota engineers was to create an economical car that would not be inferior to powerful “iron horses” on the track, but at the same time would have low engine consumption. For this, a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor was used. To achieve maximum efficiency, in the Toyota Prius, both power sources can work separately, together and in parallel.

So, the principle of operation of the hybrid Toyota Prius. The engine is started and the vehicle is accelerated using a traction electric motor. It rotates the outer satellite of the planetary gearbox and thus transmits torque to the wheels. But you won't get far on a battery. Therefore, as soon as the car picked up speed, the internal combustion engine is turned on.

The combined use of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine makes it possible to achieve maximum efficiency (efficiency) of the entire system, since. When the brake is pressed, the internal combustion engine is turned off and the so-called regenerative braking occurs (all energy from the resistance is converted into electrical energy), in which the electric motor, operating in generator mode, charges the battery.

If the car again needs increased power, for example for overtaking, the electric motor is turned on again, the energy of which is quite enough for a sharp increase in speed. The schemes of operation of hybrid cars were calculated to increase the efficiency of the car and reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. With an increase in fuel consumption (when you press the gas pedal), the control computer sends a signal to the power divider and turns on the electrical source, which allows the internal combustion engine to operate in unloaded mode.

Toyota has a unique reliability and flexibility, since motion control is carried out mostly by wire, bypassing the use of complex components and assemblies. By the way, in the Toyota Prius hybrid, the generator acts as a starter and helps to "spin" the internal combustion engine to the required 1000 rpm.

Engine operating mode

• Start. Movement using only electric traction.
• Movement at a constant speed. In this case, torque is transmitted to the generator and wheels.
• The generator, if necessary, recharges the battery and transfers energy to the electric motor. In this case, the summation of the torques of both traction units occurs.
• Forced mode. The electric motor, receiving additional power from the generator, enhances the power of the gasoline engine.
• Braking. The hybrid brakes mostly with the help of an electric motor. However, when the pedal is pressed hard, the hydraulic units are activated, and braking occurs in the usual way.

Engine (ICE)

Toyota hybrid engine type - Hybrid Synergy Drive (hybrid synergistic drive), which allows you to combine two power sources: an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Let's find out what fuel engines are installed on the Prius.

In the mid-1950s, an engineer Ralph Miller proposed to improve the idea James Atkinson . The essence of the idea was expressed in increasing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine by reducing the compression stroke. It is this principle, now often referred to as the Miller/Atkinson cycle, that is used in Toyota's hybrid engines.

So, Toyota Prius hybrid, how the engine of this car works. Unlike other ICE models, the compression process in the cylinder does not begin at the moment the piston starts to move upwards, but somewhat later. Therefore, before closing the intake valves, part of the mixture of fuel and air goes back into the intake manifold, which allows you to increase the time in which the pressure energy of the expanding gases is used. All this leads to a significant increase in engine efficiency, an increase in the efficiency of the unit, and also increases torque.

Engine Specifications:

• Volume - 1794 cubic cm.
• Power (hp / kW / rpm) - 97 / 73 / 5200.
• Torque (Nm / rpm) - 142/4000.
• Fuel supply - injector.
• Fuel - gasoline AI 95, AI - 92.

Consumption of Toyota Prius hybrid per 100 km in the urban cycle is 3.9 liters, on the highway - 3.7 liters.

Toyota car electric motor

The design of the hybrid synergic drive provides for the use of a traction motor. Power Toyota Prius electric motor - 56 kW, 162 Nm. This unit ensures the movement of the car from the start to a set of constant speed, turns on when the car is overtaking and participates in braking. The entire Toyota Prius system is thought out to the smallest detail. The hybrid car is charged while driving, from the internal combustion engine through the control generator.

Accumulator battery

The hybrid is equipped with two batteries (main high-voltage and auxiliary), both are located in the trunk of the car. The main device of the car battery is made of nickel-metal hydride alloy and has a capacity of 6.5 Ah, voltage 201.6 V. This unit has its own cooling system. Inside the high-voltage battery there is a controller that controls the process of charging each cell (block) of 168 cells in total.

The consumption and recovery of battery power is controlled by the vehicle's control processor. The Toyota Prius battery does not require recharging from the electrical network, this process is carried out while driving and braking (for the most part) of the vehicle.
Auxiliary battery: 12 V (35 Ah, 45 Ah, 51 Ah).

Conclusion

Despite the relatively high cost, hybrid cars are attracting more and more interest from buyers. Compared to other hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius actually consumes significantly less fuel and has low carbon emissions.

We deliberately stood in the toughest traffic jams, drove a circle around the Moscow Ring Road at night, counted every ruble spent and discussed the economic feasibility of the Prius.

The wheelbase of the new Prius is exactly the same as that of the old car. It turns out that the fourth generation hybrid is the result of a deep restyling?

It wasn't there! The fourth Prius is brand new. It is based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) modular architecture, on which most of the company's models will be based in the foreseeable future. The share of high-strength steels in the body structure has increased from 3 to 19%, the torsional rigidity of the body has increased by 60% - this is with a curb weight reduced by 50 kg. Instead of a rear beam, the hybrid received an independent suspension, and the traction battery moved from the trunk under the seat. In fact, the former in the new Prius is only an internal combustion engine, and even that was noticeably improved. The Japanese managed to reduce friction losses and increase resistance to detonation. The thermodynamic efficiency of this engine is 40% - a record figure in the entire industry.

Claimed consumption in the region of 3 liters per 100 km - right? And why do the passport values ​​of urban and suburban cycles practically do not differ?

Three liters per hundred, of course, is cunning. At least, we did not even manage to come close to these figures. The best result was 3.9 l / 100 km during the haul from Moscow to Dmitrov with an average speed of 55 km / h. The most "terrifying" values ​​on the screen of the trip computer were 5.5 l / 100 km - however, to achieve such a result on the Prius, you need to ruthlessly "bludgeon". Under normal conditions, the consumption in the urban and suburban cycles is really almost identical and is about 4.3-4.5 liters per hundred. Thanks to the regenerative braking system, which works surprisingly efficiently in the city.

Is it possible to pay off the "hybridity" of the Prius due to low fuel consumption?

Let's figure it out together. As a starting point, let's take the Toyota Corolla sedan with a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter engine in the maximum Prestige configuration. Such a car costs 1,329,000 rubles and, in terms of consumer qualities, is as close as possible to the Prius (the same wheelbase and space in the back seat, the same power, a similar level of finish and equipment). The declared city consumption of a 1.6-liter Corolla in the city is 8.2 l / 100 km. On the highway - 5.3 l / 100 km. Of course, in reality, these values ​​will be higher than stated. So let's take 9 l / 100 km as an average consumption, assuming that our hypothetical owner operates the car mainly in the city (recall, Prius consumption does not depend too much on the cycle and averages 4.5 l / 100 km). Thus, with an annual mileage of 25,000 km, the savings will be 1,125 liters, or 45,000 rubles (we equate one liter of AI-95 to 40 rubles). To compensate for the difference in price between the Corolla (1,329,000 rubles) and the Prius (2,112,000 rubles), it will take more than 17 years. Therefore, buying a hybrid in order to save money is utopian.

Then what's the point of it? What qualities can be written without a shadow of a doubt in the asset of the Prius?

The combination of handling and ride is commendable. The Prius handles even the toughest road imperfections perfectly and remains absolutely alive and fun to drive. Small rolls, rich feedback on the steering wheel. The Prius is also really quiet: you can’t hear the engine at all (unless you want to turn it into a cut-off), and the noise from the road penetrates the cabin only when driving on abrasive asphalt. Add a pleasant, well-finished interior. Plus, some will probably write down a flashy outrageous appearance as an asset to the “Japanese”.

Fine. But what about the obvious cons?

And here, many will also write down the appearance. After the price of more than two million rubles, this is perhaps the next deterrent. In addition, the Prius has a small trunk (only 276 liters according to our measurements). And if we talk about driving properties, the brakes are frustrating. An electric motor can unceremoniously intervene in the braking process at any moment, so that the effort on the pedals “walks”. More recently, I had the opportunity to experience a hybrid BMW X5 xDrive40e, which is devoid of such a feature. So, the father of all hybrids has something to strive for. Hybridity as such is no excuse.

What are the prospects for the fourth generation Prius in Russia?

I will be extremely careful in forecasts, but I have no doubt that the fourth Prius will become more popular than its predecessor. The fact is that for the whole of 2016 in Russia, only 16 third-generation hybrids were sold by official dealers. This is an absolute bottom, which the new product cannot break through. Believe it or not, I've even been lucky enough to see a fourth generation Prius on the road. Judging by the license plates, it belonged to a private individual, not to the Russian representative office of Toyota.