Toyota Prius: America's popular Hybrid car

Toyota Prius 2005

Toyota Prius averages about 55 miles per gallon. The Prius has a small
engine and, overall, has a high leaning toward the electric side of the
'gas-electric' equation of the hybrid technology.

An electric motor propels it at low speeds (in city streets). At low speeds
gas engines are much less efficient in producing the torque and frequent
stops aggravates it.

At high speeds (in freeways) the same motor works with the gas engine.
So, a second motor tethered with the gas engine generates much of the
electricity needed for the first motor. This process, however, is only 70
to 85 % efficient, which is much worse than the 98% efficiency of the
gasoline engines of conventional cars in which only the gears of
transmission come in between the engine and the road in transmitting
the torque.

However, overall the higher efficiency of driving in city roads win over
all other aspects of conventional cars as long as the car is small. Toyota
Prius is gaining more and more popularity among daily commuters all
over USA.

By the way, retail purchasers of a new Prius (completed during calendar
year 2004 & 2005) may be eligible for a federal tax deduction of up to
$2000 (Toyota Prius costs about 21000$ for base price).