Indian Car Blog - Carazoo.com

The automotive major, Toyota Motor Corp is all set to launch the Prius hybrid minivan using lithium ion batteries at a very reasonable price by early 2011. A Japanese business daily, the Nikkei just reported so and we just can’t wait to experience a drive in the special hybrid. Will new car ever come to India and when? Well, as of now, we only know that the hybrid minivan will be launched with the lithium ion batteries.

With the launch of the Prius, Toyota has been very enthusiastic about demonstrating its commitment to provide India with greener automotive technology and now we may have the new Prius minivan. Ever since the Prius became the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, it has received worldwide acclaim. Today, the current Prius is already the most successful hybrid in the world with rising sales of around 1.5 million. The car maker has pledged to promote eco-friendly vehicles in India and contribute towards saving the environment.

It’s very surprising to note that Toyota would be keeping the price of the new Prius model at a level similar to those of current models. It is looking at strengthening its lead in the hybrid market. The new Prius minivan will offer roomy interiors and better mileage. It may also have three rows of seats for carrying five to seven people. Don’t you think that’s really great?

Toyota will initially produce the lithium ion batteries at its Teiho factory in Aichi Prefecture. Later the production may shift to Panasonic EV Energy Co, a battery joint venture with Panasonic Corp. A lithium-ion battery can pack more electricity than its nickel-metal hydride counterpart. That only means that the hybrid car will run longer on a single charge.

Prius in Latin means ‘to go before’. Staying true to the meaning of its name, the Prius sports the latest technology. It is equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II or the Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Prius, with one of the best aerodynamic performances, has an amazing fuel economy. The third-generation Prius that we currently have in India comes with three driving modes - Power Mode, Eco Mode and Electric Vehicle Mode and a host of dynamic features that offer outstanding driving pleasure with superior environmental performance.

The Toyota Prius 2010 has been completely redesigned but still has four doors and can seat 5 persons. It is packed with a 1.8 litre gasoline engine along with two electric motors and a planetary gear set. In case of full acceleration both these power sources work in combination offering the maximum benefit. The Toyota Prius’ fuel efficiency is estimated to be about of 20 kmpl which is way better than most hybrids and regular cars. The lithium batteries are only going to add to the minivan’s performance.

The current Toyota Prius includes beautifully sculpted exteriors and more conventional interiors which hybrid car lovers just love. The digital speedometer, climate control buttons and stereo buttons are positioned in a more traditional way.

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Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is now in the process of making the best use of engines of certain vehicles for use with hydrogen-blended CNG (HCNG). The research conducted by SIAM and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have agreed upon an ideal blend of 18% hydrogen with CNG. This will produce smallest amount of Nitrogen oxide and promises the highest power to vehicles.

HCNG is among the latest technology that is being considered for lessening pollution from vehicles. As per what Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM director general Dilip Chenoy, by April, the kind of engines that would be suited for running with the new blend will be ready. SIAM is now in the process of optimizing engines that would equip it to deal with an 18% blend of hydrogen with CNG. And this kind of an engine will give the least power reduction and highest Nitrogen oxide reduction. This new fuel will be used in CNG vehicles only after it is being tested for about 50,000 km or more.

This decision would probably lead to almost all public transport in the city, from three-wheelers to taxis and is an excellent substitute for petrol and diesel. But it did have emission problems. HCNG reduces both CO2 and Nitrogen oxide levels in emissions and guarantees to give better mileage. HCNG will give better mileage as it is 1.13 times as much as CNG in terms of volume.

Hydrogen is extremely expensive commercial selling is close to impossible. Only one HCNG station operates in Dwarka which too is used for fuelling only a trial fleet. And so it might take almost two years before the blend is available commercially.

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