Toyota Prius c hybrid electric car

The Toyota Prius c hybrid electric car is the Highest rated city fuel economy. That’s therefore any vehicle without a plug!
Introduces proven hybrid powertrain at MSRP below $19,000
Wide array of available convenience and premium technology

Back in DETROIT, Michigan on Jan.10, 2012 launched Summer Rayne Oakes Car. Following the U.S. debut of the all-new 2012 Prius c at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. So, I tested it as seen here. This Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive goes subcompact segment.

So, the letter “c” represents “city” in the Prius c name. It’s designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle. That’s with an engaging driving experience, hatchback utility and a city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg. Therefore, the Prius c offered the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug at the time.

Beginning with the first generation fourteen years ago in 2012. Then with over two million Prius units sold worldwide. The Prius remained the world’s premier eco-vehicle brand. It still has made great strides in establishing consumer trust in hybrid technology. With Prius c therefore Toyota makes the market’s most proven hybrid technology. All available to subcompact car shoppers with a starting MSRP below $19,000.

Unique Place in the Prius Family
Toyota considers this the gateway product into the Prius Family. Because the Prius c hybrid electric car favors well with younger shoppers. Those seeking a smartly designed, fuel-efficient subcompact car. All packing advanced drivetrain and in-car technology. The Prius c offers engaging driving dynamics and really superior urban maneuverability. The 2012 Prius c arrives in showrooms this spring, the all-new hatchback offers:

The highest rated city fuel economy estimates of any vehicle without a plug*; 53 mpg in the city, and 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg.

The most accessible Prius features a starting MSRP below $19,000. All most importantly with the proven hybrid powertrain and premium technology.

The scale of the all-new Prius c becomes apparent. That’s when compared to the familiar proportions of the midsize Prius Liftback. The Prius c is smaller and lighter than its midsize Prius. It’s stable mate with 19.1 inches less length (157.3 vs. 176.4 inches OAL) and 542 lbs. less weight than the Prius Liftback (2,500 vs. 3,042 lbs.).

So it adapted the Hybrid Synergy Drive to the smaller Prius c platform. That’s so each of the system’s major components were re-designed. Consequently, to reduce weight, scale, and improve efficiency.

Efficient Packaging
The Prius c’s effective packaging design strategically locates key drivetrain components within the chassis to help optimize interior space and handling. The compact gasoline engine, transaxle and power-control unit are optimally placed within the vehicle to help enhance weight distribution and lower the center of gravity. In addition, the hybrid battery and fuel tank are positioned together beneath the rear seat, ideally distributing their mass within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution to help enhance handling. By locating the battery and fuel tank below the rear seat, the Prius c is able to offer 104 cu. ft. of interior volume (87.4 cu. ft. passenger volume, 17.1 cu. ft. cargo volume).

Prius c Hybrid Synergy Drive Propulsion
The Prius c’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system integrates the operation of components that include a gasoline engine, an electric motor within a Continuously Variable Transaxle, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a power control unit (inverter), a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter and a hybrid control computer. The hybrid control computer governs the seamless application of gasoline engine and electric power depending on driving demands and selected drive mode.

The Prius c relies on a SULEV (Tier 2 Bin 3) rated 1.5-liter in-line, four-cylinder gasoline engine that utilizes an Atkinson cycle to increase efficiency. This engine produces 73 horsepower and 82 lb.-ft. of torque, contributing to a total hybrid system output of 99 hp.

In conclusion, the Prius c’s hybrid system utilizes a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. One that has been located consequently under the rear passenger seat. That’s near the center of the vehicle and low in the chassis. All to help improve therefore improve the center of gravity.

Finally, the Prius c offers three distinct drive modes: Normal, Eco, and EV mode. Eco mode reduces overall energy consumption by governing climate control and throttle to improve vehicle efficiency. Under certain conditions, the EV mode allows the Prius c to be driven solely by electric power for a short distance (under 1 mile) while remaining below 25 mph.