Electric vs. Hybrid Vehicles
For twenty years and counting, Toyota has offered customers alternative ways to get around. Thanks to Toyota's initiative to provide customers with an electric or hybrid variant of its entire lineup by 2025, there will be many models to choose from. All of those models operate with a hybrid battery and, as such, will also benefit from Toyota's new 10-year / 150,000-mile Hybrid Battery Warranty included with 2020 and later model years. Learn about our Toyota hybrid and electric vehicles we have available here at Mark Jacobson Toyota below! This helpful guide will allow you to figure out which hybrid or electric car suits your driving needs around Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Morrisville, and all surrounding areas.
Types of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles Available at Our Toyota Dealer Near Raleigh
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) are powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline and an electric motor running on self-charging hybrid battery. Plugging in is never needed and fuel economy is measured in miles per gallon (MPG). These vehicles are much more efficient than traditional vehicles with only an internal combustion engine. Toyota Hybrid's come in all shapes and sizes, they are simple and seamless to drive. The have no extra maintenance, no plugs to deal with and you get the best of both worlds with lot of options.
Toyota Hybrid Models: Prius, Venza, Sienna, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Rav4, Tundra, Sequoia Corolla Cross & the all new Crown
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) are powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline and an electric motor running on a hybrid battery. Plugging in is optional for extended overall range and EV-only driving. Charging time varies depending on battery size and outlet voltage. Using a 240v outlet speeds up the charging time. Fuel economy is measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and PHEV vehicles are much more efficient than traditional vehicles with only an internal combustion engine. PHEV vehicles provide the go-anywhere flexibility of a gasoline vehicle with the practicality and performance of an electric vehicle. Charge it up and benefit from the electric for quick commutes or fill it up with gasoline for the long haul. You'll have the peace of mind of both options with no range anxiety.
Toyota Plug-In Hybrid Models: Prius Prime and Rav4 Prime
Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEV) are powered by an electric motor and fuel cell stack running on hydrogen gas and therefore plugging in is never needed. The only emissions ever emitted is water. Infrastructure for these types of vehicles is still limited but a growing network of fueling stations is coming. Fuel economy is measured in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Toyota Fuel Cell Models: Mirai (Inventory is limited to ZEV States)
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) are powered by an electric motor running on a large battery pack which means plugging in is required to operate. Charging times vary depending on the battery size and outlet voltage. Using a 240v outlet is recommended for quicker charging times. Fuel economy is measured in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe).
Toyota Battery Electric Models: Coming Soon bZ4X
History-Making Hybrids
Over 25 years ago, Toyota put the pedal to the metal and began making vehicles built for the 21st century by fully embracing electrified vehicles. Their goal of reducing emissions and pushing the technological bar, while upholding a reputation for quality, durability and reliability has held true over all those years. Since then, Toyota's fuel-efficient portfolio has grown to include an impressive range of hybrid electric vehicles - all using advanced systems that have influenced other manufacturers.
The Prius has become synonymous with hybrid electric vehicles after its introduction in 1997 thanks to ground-breaking technology and record-breaking sales.
Toyota's goal to reduce global emissions entirely led them to grant royalty-free licenses of nearly 24,000 patents relating to vehicle electrification technologies starting in 2019, while establishing the Toyota IP Solutions program to encourage access to Toyota technological advancements across all industries. These revolutionary patents have been shared with Ford, Nissan, and other original equipment manufacturers.
From the Corolla and Camry, to the Rav4 compact SUV, Highlander midsize crossover SUV and Sienna van Toyota truly offers a Hybrid model for everyone. No matter the destination, Toyota offers a well-suited and fuel-efficient hybrid to help get you there - with an ideal balance of efficiency and performance. And with low maintenance, high durability, and a hybrid battery and electric motor that can help provide an extra dose of power, there's a great Toyota hybrid out there for every type of driver.
It's no secret that plug-in hybrids and fuel cell electric vehicles can carry a premium price tag over their hybrid and gas-only counterparts. However, this isn't the whole story, as drivers may also qualify for special tax credits and incentives that are only available for alternative fuel vehicles. These vehicle perks can save money in the long run and help reduce the vehicle's upfront cost.
EV TAX CREDITS
Depending on the vehicle being purchased, owners may qualify for a federal electric vehicle tax credit up to $7,500. The size of the rebate is affected by the vehicle's battery capacity and the buyer's tax situation, so be sure to consult with a tax professional to learn how to obtain these benefits. This EV tax credit is only offered for new vehicles that can be plugged in to charge a battery pack 4 kWh or larger. That means Prius Prime and Rav4 Prime both qualify for this credit, but fuel cell vehicles like Mirai (and traditional hybrids like Prius are not eligible.
Seeing hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles are becoming a more and more common sight. Nearly 5% of global new car sales are equipped with this type of powertrain with battery propulsion.
- Hybrid Powertrains combine two technologies into one. This is specifically why they are called hybrid! These vehicles are equipped with a traditional internal combustion engine powered by gasoline but they are also assisted by electric motors that are powered by energy stores in an onboard battery.
- Hybrids can produce their own power. One of the coolest features found on nearly all hybrids is their regenerative braking system, which helps to charge the hybrid battery with energy that is captured when the vehicle decelerates, rather than losing it to the brakes in the form of heat.
- Hybrids are built for the long haul. This doesn't just refer to maintenance perks like potential increased brake life. Toyota's confidence in hybrid longevity is also evident in its 8-year / 100,000-mile hybrid component warranty and its 10-year / 150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.
- Hybrid technology isn't just for efficiency. It's also great for performance. One big reason is that electric motors delivery power immediately! In fact, many supercars and racecars are now hybrid!
- Hybrids are nearly as old as automobiles themselves. The first hybrid vehicle was the 1901 Semper Vivus designed by Ferninand Porsche. The technology didn't become mainstream until Toyota released the 1997 Prius nearly a century later, making it the modern world's first commercial hybrid.
- Hybrid vehicles aren't going away anytime soon. Toyota has sold over 10 million hybrids to date and has even bigger plans for the future: another 5.5 million sales and an electrified variant of every model. Already ahead of schedule, Toyota is now planning to make that dream a reality by 2025.
Does Toyota recycle its hybrid batteries? You bet. With over 20 years of hybrid experience, it's no surprise that Toyota's hybrid battery recycling initiative is designed to breath new life into old Toyota hybrid batteries. The goal is to help support the environment by keeping hybrid batteries out of landfills and reusing or recycling their components. But of course, Toyota's 10-year, 150,000-mile Hybrid Battery Warranty helps ensure this as well.
- REPAIR - If an older hybrid battery is in good condition, it can be repaired and reused. Each hybrid battery is shipped to a Toyota dealership in a secure container to help protect the battery from damage and leakage. Once there, the faulty components are replaced so that the hybrid battery can be used again.
- REMANUFACTURE - If a hybrid battery cannot be repaired, functional components are removed, tested, and repackaged into a new remanufactured hybrid battery so it can be used again in a hybrid vehicle.
- REPURPOSE - If a hybrid battery cannot be repaired or remanufactured, it is repurposed to help power facilities or use a forklift, crane, and other heavy machinery.
- RECYCLE - If a hybrid battery doesn't meet the above criteria, it goes through a multi-stop process to be recycled. After the vehicle arrives at the Toyota dealership and its hybrid battery is removed, it's packed using a reusable container that exceeds USDOT regulations. It's then shipped to Toyota's recycling partner in Southern California where it's dismantled and recycled.
Committing to Sustainability
Toyota's hybrid battery recycling is just one of many efforts designed to preserve the environment for generations to come. That's why it's crucial for advanced recycling methods to help recover key materials from nickel-metal hydride batteries and reuse them as a raw material for new hybrid battery production. Toyota is also working with recycling leaders and researchers to develop similar techniques for lithium-ion batteries and exploring how to bring these methods to North America to facilitate battery-to-battery recycling.
This whole process is part of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 - so hybrid battery recycling is just one part of a long-term commitment to the environment for Toyota. Through this and other environmental initiatives, Toyota continues to innovate sustainably with an eye on the future.