Ready to Break the Ties?

Feeling helpless at the pump? Don't want to line the pocket of oil mongers like our President? Check out the new hybrids on the market! Someone we know and love just bought one! More to come on this exciting development....until then, read about the Prius by Toyota:

Efficiency and Reduced Emissions

The Prius mainly relies on two features to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions:

Its engine only runs at an efficient speed and load - In order to reduce emissions, the Prius can accelerate to a speed of about 40 mph (64 kph) before switching on the gasoline engine. The engine only starts once the vehicle has passed a certain speed. And once the engine starts, it operates in a narrow speed band.

It uses a unique power split device - Gasoline engines can be tuned to run most efficiently in certain speed and load ranges. The power split device on the Prius allows the engine to stay in its most efficient load and speed range most of the time.

Toyota designed the 1.5-liter engine in the Prius to run at a maximum speed of only 5,000 rpm, where it makes 76 horsepower. Keeping the maximum speed of the engine low allows for the use of lighter components that improve efficiency.

The electric motor on the Prius is rated at 67 horsepower from 1,040-5,600 rpm. It produces 295 pound-feet of torque from 0 to 400 rpm, which is more than enough to get the car going without the aid of the gasoline engine.