Toyota Hybrids – Practical Reliability

While the buzz continues to surround fully electrified vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) continue to hum on in the background. Last year alone, Toyota Motor Corporation had sold about two million HEV worldwide, with an offering of about 45 HEV models – more choices than any other automaker. Toyota also reported that in 2020 its sale of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) had surpassed 15 million globally since it first introduced its Prius model in 1997 (coincidentally around the time of the Kyoto Protocol). So there must be a reason (or several reasons) why car buyers are still flocking to hybrids.

What is a Hybrid?

In simple terms, a hybrid vehicle is one with a combination of powerplants that work together to turn the wheels. While it may differ from model to model, Toyota’s hybrids are generally made up of a petrol engine, an electric motor, a battery pack, a power control unit and a power split device. But as a driver, you need not worry about how it works as the Toyota Hybrid System will manage the balance and distribution of power. Furthermore, a hybrid vehicle is self-charging, regaining some energy during the drive or under braking; unless you have a PHEV which allows you to plug it into the electric grid to recharge.

Some of its models also use an e-CVT which is actually two electric motor-generators connected to a planetary gear system, instead of the conventional CVT belt.

You Can Count on It

The Toyota Hybrid System is now in its 4^th generation, and naturally there are improvements. As a business concern, Toyota would not expand its hybrid line-up nor continue to further develop it if there was no demand for it. These improvements cover various aspects, from efficiency to ease of maintenance to reliability.

This isn’t to say that the first hybrids from Toyota aren’t reliable. You only need to see how many 1^st generation Prius are still on the roads worldwide. In fact, data from Consumer Reports had shown that Toyota has the longest-lasting hybrids with many still on the roads as a proportion to original sales figures. Additionally, in a 2019 What Car? reliability survey among 18,000 motorists in the UK, Toyota was practically given a perfect score. Its hybrid models were given as high as a 99.5% score for reliability. 

 The durability and reliability didn’t happen by accident. As a pioneer, Toyota has spent well over 25 years gaining experience in building and refining its hybrid system, and strengthening its reputation in this regard. The improvements made over the years may seem simple and straightforward, such as changing the placement of a filter for easier access or using a different material to improve robustness or weight, or both. But these changes are always backed by hours of research and development.     

Keeping it Practical

By putting in technology, Toyota has also taken things out from its hybrids. By eliminating or reducing the number of moving parts that can wear down or break, Toyota has made the powertrain more dependable. And with dependability comes savings in time and cost of replacement, which is a practical approach to enhancing the ownership experience.

It has also kept to producing self-charging hybrids as a practical approach. By charging itself on the move, there is no dependence on a new set of charging infrastructure. Not only are you able to drive as long as you can find a petrol station, you also don’t lose out on the fuel-sipping benefits of an electrified vehicle if you live in a high-rise that lacks charging points.

Saving the Environment, Saving You Fuel

Through the years, Toyota has made a significant contributions to the environmental cause. To-date, its hybrid electric vehicles have reduced CO2 emissions by over 120 million tonnes when compared to the equivalent petrol-powered vehicles. Its hybrids also produce lower levels of NOx emissions.

Furthermore, by being more economical on fuel consumption, it saves you time and cost for refueling thus allowing you to drive further and longer in between.

In the end, we think that by utilising an established set of technologies, consumers not only gain familiarity but more importantly, the confidence of knowing that the technology has been well and truly tested and that they can rely on it.