Toyota unveils new Prius, says hybrids vital in carbon reduction
KYODO NEWS
Toyota Motor Corp. on Wednesday unveiled the latest iteration of its flagship Prius hybrid car with improved acceleration performance, emphasizing its stance that hybrid cars are still a viable option in achieving carbon neutrality amid the rising popularity of electric vehicles.
The latest model, its fifth generation, marks the first full-model change of the car in about seven years. The Japanese carmaker said it has made the vehicle's exterior design sportier while adopting the latest hybrid system to realize high fuel efficiency.
The new Prius will go on sale this winter while its plug-in hybrid model is expected to hit the market next spring, the company said.
Photo taken in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2022, shows the latest model of Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid car. (Kyodo)
The launch of the latest model comes as Toyota has said hybrid cars are a more realistic approach toward achieving carbon neutrality than EVs, given the high cost of (owning) all-electric cars and the current energy mix that relies heavily on fossil fuels.
"Battery electric vehicles are an important solution but not always the best option for everyone," Simon Humphries, senior general manager at Toyota's Vehicle Development Center, said in an online presentation. "In a diversified world, we need a variety of options,"
"Prius is an eco-car within everyone's reach," he said.
Toyota launched the Prius in 1997, sending shockwaves in the industry due to its extremely high fuel efficiency.
KYODO NEWS
Toyota Motor Corp. on Wednesday unveiled the latest iteration of its flagship Prius hybrid car with improved acceleration performance, emphasizing its stance that hybrid cars are still a viable option in achieving carbon neutrality amid the rising popularity of electric vehicles.
The latest model, its fifth generation, marks the first full-model change of the car in about seven years. The Japanese carmaker said it has made the vehicle's exterior design sportier while adopting the latest hybrid system to realize high fuel efficiency.
The new Prius will go on sale this winter while its plug-in hybrid model is expected to hit the market next spring, the company said.
Photo taken in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2022, shows the latest model of Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid car. (Kyodo)
The launch of the latest model comes as Toyota has said hybrid cars are a more realistic approach toward achieving carbon neutrality than EVs, given the high cost of (owning) all-electric cars and the current energy mix that relies heavily on fossil fuels.
"Battery electric vehicles are an important solution but not always the best option for everyone," Simon Humphries, senior general manager at Toyota's Vehicle Development Center, said in an online presentation. "In a diversified world, we need a variety of options,"
"Prius is an eco-car within everyone's reach," he said.
Toyota launched the Prius in 1997, sending shockwaves in the industry due to its extremely high fuel efficiency.
Similar Readings (5 items)
Toyota, Mazda, Subaru developing eco-friendly engines
Honda aims to double sales of hybrid vehicles by 2030
Toyota's next president to accelerate EV development
Toyota slashes EV production amid slowing sales
Toyota eyes new manufacturing method for next-generation EVs
Summary
Toyota launches new Prius hybrid car, stresses hybrid's role in carbon reduction despite EV rise. Fifth-gen model has sportier design and improved fuel efficiency. Scheduled for winter release, plug-in version coming next spring. Hybrid cars seen as more practical towards carbon neutrality due to