Tokyo, July 25, 2007 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that it has developed a plug-in hybrid vehicle and become the first manufacturer to have such a vehicle certified for use on public roads in Japan.
The TOYOTA Plug-in HV-certified for public road-use by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport-uses, like earlier TMC-developed hybrid vehicles, both a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor. But increased battery capacity gives it a longer electric-motor-only cruising range and a battery-charging device allows users to replenish the batteries using household electricity. These features enable the vehicle to run more often in gasoline-free, electric-only mode, such as on short trips in city driving. The resulting fuel efficiency improvements mean lower CO2 emissions and less fossil fuel consumption and, therefore, less pollution. Also, charging the battery with less-expensive nighttime electricity lowers total running costs, providing an economic benefit to owners.
Although challenges still exist in the development of pure electric vehicles such as a limited cruising range and issues related to cost, TMC still views plug-in hybrid vehicles as a promising technology for allowing electricity to serve as a viable power source for automobiles and is committed to their continued development as a key environmental technology.
TMC plans to conduct public-road tests in Japan with eight units of the TOYOTA Plug-in HV to verify electric-motor-only cruising ranges and optimal battery capacity. While doing so, it plans to provide the government with data for formulating testing methods for emissions and fuel efficiency and to consider TMC's measures for promoting plug-in hybrids and the use of electricity. There are also plans to conduct public-road tests of the TOYOTA Plug-in HV in the United States and in Europe.
--- Main Specifications of Toyota Plug-in HV ------------
Vehicle
Name: TOYOTA Plug-in HV
Length/Width/Height: 4,445/1,725/1,490mm
Weight: 1,360kg
Seating capacity: 5 persons
Performance in electric vehicle mode
Cruising range: 13km in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle
Maximum vehicle speed: 100km/h
Engine
Displacement: 1,496cc
Maximum output: 56kW(76PS)/5,000rpm
Maximum torque: 110N-m (11.2kg-m)/4,000rpm
Motor
Type: AC synchronous motor
Maximum output: 50kW(68PS)/1,200-1,540rpm
Maximum torque: 400N-m(40.8kg-m)/0-1,200rpm
Secondary battery
Type: Nickel-metal hydride
Capacity: 13Ah (6.5Ah x 2)
Rated voltage: 202V
Overall system
Maximum output*: 100kW (136PS)
Voltage: 202-500V
Battery charging
Power source: Household electrical power
Charging time: 1-1.5hrs (200V), 3-4hrs (100V)
Based on TMC calculations; output that the system can achieve using engine power and electric motor power (electric motor power is dependent on battery power)
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. Today, the Company manufactures vehicles and parts at 53 production sites in 27 countries and regions around the globe and is an active member in the communities it serves. In fiscal 2009, ended March 31, 2009, the Toyota Group sold approximately 7.56 million vehicles in 170 countries and regions under the Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, and Hino brands. For more information, please visit www.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html.
Contact:
Toyota Motor Corporation
Corporate Communications Department
Public Affairs Division
Tel: +81-3-3817-9150
URL: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/
July 25, 2007
Source: Toyota
Toyota (TSE: 7203) (U.S: TM)
From the Japan Corporate News Network
http://www.japancorp.net
Topic: Press release summary
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