New Toyota Yaris full hybrid vehicle

The new Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the first full hybrid vehicle to go on sale in the European B-segment. The Yaris model range flagship, it represents a new and unique offer in Europe's highest sales volume segment, and will bring the benefits of full hybrid technology to a wider range of customers than ever before.


The Yaris is Toyota's best-selling core model in Europe, with more than 2.5 million units sold. It is the only B-segment car to offer customers the choice of 3 different powertrain types - full hybrid, diesel or petrol. Combining the ingenious packaging and urban agility of the Yaris model range with the unique driving experience and efficiency of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD), the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a new major step in the company's full hybrid European roll-out strategy. With low fuel consumption, low environmental impact, strong acceleration, great manoeuvrability and unique EV capabilities, it represents the ultimate urban car. The new powertrain has been optimised for installation within the vehicle's compact, extremely efficient packaging design, without detriment to either system quality and performance, or passenger accommodation and loadspace. The downsized hybrid system combines a substantially re-engineered 1.5 litre petrol engine with a lighter, more compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter and battery pack.

The highly efficient powertrain offers the best balance of performance and fuel consumption/CO2 emissions in the B segment. It delivers an average fuel consumption of just 3.5 l/100 km and segment-best CO2 emissions of only 79 g/km, whilst allowing customers frequent, all-electric driving periods that emit no NOx, PM or CO2 emissions. With segment-best fuel consumption of 3.1 l/100 km in the urban cycle, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid represents the ideal urban mobility choice at a time when fuel prices are reaching peak levels. Internal test data show that a high proportion of journey time and distance can be undertaken with the engine off, representing significant benefits in fuel consumption. Expected to represent 20% of all Yaris model sales in Europe, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is not a niche model. Rather, it represents a new, unique alternative for demanding urban drivers who expect a new driving and ownership experience from their car.


The Toyota Yaris Hybrid combines the tangible benefits of advanced technology, low emissions and unbeatable cost of ownership with a new, uniquely relaxed and quiet driving style. Its HSD system proves that driving pleasure needs not to be compromised by environmental responsibility and low running costs, and it shares the traditionally high residual values of all Toyota Hybrids.
With Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) already assembling Toyota full hybrid vehicles, the start of Yaris Hybrid production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) makes Toyota the only manufacturer to have two full hybrid technology production facilities in Europe, reinforcing the company's commitment to local, advanced technology manufacturing in Europe. Following the launch of the Auris Hybrid, the Yaris Hybrid is Toyota's second core model to feature HSD technology. From 2012, the Toyota hybrid range will feature five models: the Yaris Hybrid, the Auris Hybrid, the Prius, the Prius+ and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

Source : netcarshow.com

Toyota Engineering Society TES-ERA EV

Friday the 13th isn’t typically considered a good day for those that are a tad superstitious, but the people behind the Tokyo Auto Salon aren’t in the least bit paraskevidekatriaphobic (plague with a fear of Friday the 13th) because that’s when they decided to open their doors. Lucky for us (pun intended), because Toyota has chosen this setting to reveal their TES-ERA EV - a concept car developed by the Toyota Engineering Society that proves that even electric vehicles can be extremely cool.

The work on this project began back in March 2011 with a team of 20 members doing their best to produce a spectacular electric concept. This concept features an innovative design with sweet gullwing doors, a rich Dark Blue Mica exterior paint finish with 18-inch aluminum wheels, and height adjustable double wishbone suspensions. The interior of the concept gets a built-in touch-shift steering wheel, a rear and side view camera monitor system, an instrument panel, door trims with decorative illumination, and 4-point seat belts.

Joining the ranks of the beautiful exterior is the power setup. The TES-ERA is powered by an electric 4JM motor that delivers a total of 164 HP and 247 lb-ft of torque. The motor takes its power from a lithium-ion battery and is mated to a rear-wheel-drive system and the F1 "KERS’ system. With a total weight of 2535 lbs, the TES-ERA EV can hit a top speed of 124 mph.

Source : Topspeed.com

Automakers Forecasted to Lead the United States Market in 2011

 

General Motors wants to be the plug-in leader with the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid with 40 miles of electric range and 500 miles per gasoline fill-up range. Chevrolet will deliver over 10,000 in 2011. GM has a complete Voltec Propulsion System roadmap that envisions added offerings of pure battery-electric, E85, and diesel. The second plug-in offering from GM is likely to be a Chevrolet Crossover SUV. Look for a range versus cost battle with Toyota, as the Volt achieves more electric range by adding to vehicle cost with a 16kWh battery.
Nissan will be the first automaker to put over 10,000 pure battery-electric cars on U.S. highways. 20,000 have made deposits for Nissan Leaf and several cities are in major partnerships. The LEAF can be purchased starting at $32,780 or $349 per month. The Nissan LEAF is battery-electric with a 100-mile range per charge. LEAF Test drive. This 5-door, 5-seat, hatchback has the right size and range for many who drive under 100 miles daily, or for households with more than one car.

Ford will be selling at least two electric cars by the end of 2011 and five models by the end of 2012. The best seller will be the Ford Focus Electric, a battery-electric that we expect to aggressively compete with the Nissan Leaf. Ford will be taking orders for a 2012 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, an exciting Crossover SUV that seats 5. In the future, the Ford Focus available any way the customer wants it: battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, or fuel-efficient sedan. Ford is already selling the Transit Connect Electric compact van.
 
Tesla is the first to sell 1,000 electric cars for the U.S. highways. Tesla owners are the first to put 10 million electric miles on the road. Like its Roadster, the company is going zero to sixty in less than four seconds. Tesla is also developing a roomy Model S hatchback that starts at $57,400, about half the price of the Roadster. The Roadster is battery-electric with a 240-mile range; the Model S will have remarkable electric range options of 130 to 300 miles per charge. Tesla is working with shareholder Toyota to bring back the Toyota RAV4 EV, an electric SUV. Tesla is working with shareholder Daimler to put Smart EDs on U.S. streets this year. In the future, the Tesla Model X will be a Crossover SUV for those that want more premium styling and interiors than alternatives from Chevrolet, Ford, and others.
 
Fisker Karma is a luxury sports plug-in hybrid with prices starting around $90,000. With 20kWh of lithium batteries, you could go 50 miles before the 2L turbo engine is engaged. The Karma invites you to accelerate, using two electric motors that deliver 403 horsepower, so your mileage may vary. In theory it’s a 4-seater; good luck fitting someone in the back seat. The Karma is about sex appeal, performance, and luxury. A more affordable family sedan is planned for 2012.

Toyota, world-leading seller of hybrids, will offer both plug-in hybrids and pure battery electric cars. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) looks like another Prius until you spot the J1772 plug for smart charging. Six hundred PHV are in fleet trails from cities to car sharing services. Next year, you can order the Prius PHV. Toyota will initially control costs by only using a 5kWh battery for a 14-mile electric range. In 2012, Toyota is likely to also offer the RAV4 EV SUV and a pure battery-electric FT-EV small city car.
Honda is preparing the Honda Fit EV and a plug-in hybrid for sale in the U.S. in 2012. The Fit EV is in demonstration program in fleets such as Google and Stanford University. We speculate that the new EV will use Blue Energy lithium-ion batteries and will price below $29,900.

Mitsubishi is currently the electric car market leader in Japan with the iMiEV.
In 2012, the U.S. version of the Mitsubishi I will price at less than $29,900. This fun-to-drive 5 door, 4 seat hatchback, will have a wheel base 5 inches wider for the U.S. market, but the micro-compact will still be able to get those precious city parking spaces that no other car can take except the Smart. The more powerful U.S. version will have an electric range of 50 to 80 miles with a 16kWh lithium battery.
 

 Daimler is bringing the Smart Fortwo ED to the United States. 250 Smart Fortwo ED will be put into U.S. test this year using Tesla battery packs, but smart is currently targeting the 2013 model year for the first commercial electric car. It will start taking consumer and fleet orders in 2012. Daimler also owns 5 percent of Tesla. Mercedes hybrids. BMW will accelerate electric plans in a couple of years. Mercedes is putting into fleet tests two 5-seat hatchback electric cars – the A-Class E-CELL battery-electric car with 120-mile range and the B-Class F-CELL, which adds a hydrogen fuel cell to double the range.
 
Think has been selling its smaller battery-electric City car in Europe for years. With new capital from EnerDel, Valmet, and Kleiner Perkins, Think hopes to have its financial struggles in the rear view mirror and be on U.S. roads within a year.

 

 

 

U.S. Electric Car Forecast

Accenture forecasts 1.5 million electric vehicles in the United States by 2015. Over 10 million electric vehicles are possible by 2020, especially if oil prices continue to rise as battery prices fall. Single electric utilities have scenarios for charging over one million electric vehicles in their own service area by 2020. With renewable energy investment required of utilities in 30 states, these utilities are most interested in night time charging of electric vehicles with wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Utilities are also implementing smart grids and incentives for off-peak charging.
By 2011 year-end, competition will be intense for electric car leadership. The above Top 10 describe our best guess about the market share leaders for delivered plug-in vehicles on the United States roads in 2011. Battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles with range extended by engines or fuel cells were all considered.
Over 100 competitors will be fighting for U.S. share by the end of 2012. Some may be struggle to get significant share due to the time and cost of safety and other regulatory approvals, delays in funding, unpleasant surprises from a battery, drive system, or component supplier. It’s a tough business. Even Tesla had to add 700 pounds and two years to get the first Roadsters in customers’ hands.

Asia Prepares for the U.S. Market

For three years, we have read about China’s plans to bring electric cars to the U.S. Although China’s U.S. ambitions have slipped badly, its automakers cannot be ignored. China has over 100 million light electric vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters in daily use. It’s new 5-year plan calls for 100 million electric charging stations in China by 2020. BYD, with gold-plated investors such as Warren Buffett, has only put a few hundred electric vehicles on the road in China and continues to delay introduction to the United States. CODA’s $45,000 sedan continues to seek DOE loans and more investors and has delayed sales until Fall 2011, or later. Volvo, now owned by China’s Geely has the new C30 Drive E Electric. I was impressed with my test drive, but the Volvo electric car will be selling only in Europe in the short-term. SAIC, Chery, and hundreds of players are also preparing EVs for Chin
India might bring us a Maharinda Reva or Nano EV that under prices everyone, but not this year which is the basis for this Top 10 Report.

European Innovation

By 2020, Europe with higher fuel prices and fewer oil subsidies, is forecasted to have more electric cars by 2020 than the U.S. Better Place may deliver 100,000 of the Renault Fluence with its switchable battery to Israel, Denmark, and other countries. Volkswagen may teach everyone how to extend range by making vehicles light. The concept Up Light weighs just over 1,500 pounds, but it’s only a concept. I loved test-driving the Volkswagen Golf Blue E-Motion, but don’t plan on buying it in the U.S. before 2014. You will likely be able to buy the Audi E-Tron sooner. BMW’s first U.S. electric car commercial offering, the Megacity Vehicle, may be a hit in 2013. For fun in the city in 2013, the Fiat 500 EV may be what you want. In other words, there is a lot of European innovation that did not make this Top 10 List, which focuses on the U.S. market for the next 12 months.
Please bookmark this Top 10 List and check back as we update. Exciting new electric cars are being driven on the U.S. streets and freeways. Nissan is an early mover with battery-electric cars and General Motors with plug-in hybrids. Competition will start to heat-up with offerings from Ford, Toyota, Honda, and dozens of Asian, European and American innovators. The winner will be the customer.
Source : cleanfleetreport.com

Toyota Yaris Spy Photos - Future Cars

There’s a styling revolution happening in the subcompact-car segment, led by the swoopy Ford Fiesta and championed by the freshly redesigned Hyundai Accent, the snappy Kia Rio, and the funky Chevrolet Sonic. Toyota’s price-leading Yaris undergoes a ground-up redesign for 2012, but, judging by the looks of this prototype—not to mention the Japanese-market Vitz from which it is cloned—Toyota’s entry-level hatch won’t be advancing the state of tiny-car design.
To be fair, the prototype’s bright-white hue washes out certain aspects of the shape. But, as the renderings of the Vitz (that’s the Yaris’s home-market name) shared by Toyota of Japan prove, the car’s design seems somewhat awkward regardless of color. It is rife with random lumps and dips that add character at the expense of cohesion. With its mesh grille and triangular fog-light housings, this particular prototype appears to be, um, the sportiest of all Vitz variants previewed back in March. In other words, this is about as sexy as the 2012 Yaris is going to get. And hey, what’s this? A rear “diffuser”? Toyota’s so funny.
Unfortunately, our spies couldn’t catch any shots of the Yaris’s interior, nor do we know for sure how much power the car will pack under its short hood. But the Vitz info suggests that the American version will adopt the refreshingly normal dash design previewed in the Vitz—albeit with left-hand drive—complete with gauges located in front of the driver where they belong. (The last Yaris’s instrument panel was in the middle of the dash.) We also stand by our prediction that a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine will be the primary powerplant, aided by either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission and with fuel-economy ratings in the neighborhood of 40 mpg on the highway.

Still hazy is the prospect of a Yaris hybrid, which Toyota showed in concept form at the Geneva auto show in March and pledged to add to its European lineup in the latter part of 2012. A hybrid may be redundant in the U.S., however, since the Yaris shares its basic underpinnings with the even uglier, hybrid-only 2012 Prius C, which became another unwitting target for spy shooters earlier this month. Expect the 2012 Yaris to appear in Toyota showrooms this fall in both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan forms; the future of the bargain-basement three-door model is uncertain. Regardless, pricing for the Yaris should still start below $15K.
Source : Caranddriver.com