History of the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry

Toyota just released their passenger car chronology. For those of you interested in their hybrid car development, enjoy.  First is the Prius, then the Camry.  All years are Model Years unless noted.  MY refers to Model Year while CY refers to Calendar Year.

PRIUS

Series Chronology

1997 - Prius goes on sale in Japan becoming the world’s first mass-produced
gas/electric hybrid vehicle
2000 - Prius is launched in the U.S market as a 2001 model year
2001 - American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy named Prius “Greenest gasoline-powered passenger sedan in the United States”
2001 - Society of Automotive Engineers named it “Best Engineered Car of 2001”
2001 - Ward's Auto World magazine named the Prius gas/electric hybrid system one of the "10 Best Engines for 2001"
2001 - Named one of Environmental Protection Agency’s “Best Compact Cars” in the 2001 Fuel Economy Guide
2001 - Womanmotorist.com’s Reader’s Choice Awards – First Place for Eco Cars
2001 - AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS) award for Alternative Fuel Vehicle
2002 - Prius became available with four factory options.
2002 - AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS) award for “Green” car
2002 - Consumer Reports names Prius “Best Driving Green”
2002 - Womanmotorist.com Reader’s Choice Award in Eco Car segment.
2004 - All-new, second-generation Prius is introduced.
2004 - Motor Trend Magazine names Prius “Car of the Year”
2004 - “North American Car of the Year”; “Car of the Year,” Motor Trend
2004 - “10 Best Cars,” Car and Driver Magazine
2004 - “Ten Best Engines,” Ward’s Auto World
2004 - “Design of the Year,”Automobile Magazine
2004 - “25 Best Products of the Year,” Fortune Magazine
2004 - “Best of What’s New,” Popular Science Magazine
2004 - Driver’s Choice Award “Best Eco-Friendly,” Motor Week
2004 - “Top Picks for 2004” Green Car, Consumer Reports
2004 - Best Engineered Vehicle for 2004, Automotive Engineering International
2004 - Awarded a Gold in the 2004 Industrial Design Excellence Awards
2004 - “Consumers’ Most Significant Vehicle of the Year for 2004,” Consumer Reports
2005 - Consumer Reports “Most Satisfying Vehicle” – Small Car, April 2005 issue
2005 - Minor changes to standard equipment.
2005 - “Best Car Value Under $23,000,” IntelliChoice’s Best Overall Value of the Year Award
2005 - Consumer Reports “Top Pick” – Green Car, “Most Reliable” – Hybrid, listed as “Best
Vehicles for $25,000 or Less” – Cars; Kelly Blue Book’s “2006 Best Resale Value” – Hatchback
2006 - “Greener Choices 2006” and “Best of 2006,” American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
2006 - “Best Value in America” for Midsize Cars under $23,000, Vincentric
2007 - Touring Edition is introduced
2007 - Given the “Editor’s Choice Award,” Cars.com.
2007 - “Best Deal Award,” Cars.com – Easy Being Green category.
2007 - Named “Top Pick” in Green Car category by Consumer Reports.
2007 - “Best Car Value Under $23,000,” Kelly Blue Book
2007 - “Best Green Cars,” Bars.com
2008 - A Standard Package replaces the Base Package in 2008 Prius
2008 - Named “Most Satisfying Vehicle Overall” by Consumer Reports
2008 - Awarded number one in “Top 10 Green Cars” by Kelly Blue Book
2009 - Named top ten winner for “Best Resale Value” by Kelley Blue Book
2009 - “Best Car Value Under $24,000,” IntelliChoice’s Best Overall Value of the Year Award
2009 - “Best Bets,” Cars.com
2010 - All-new, third-generation Prius is introduced.

The Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, was a breakthrough in combining an efficient, powerful gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine and a clean, quiet electric motor. Configured as a stylish, roomy, five-passenger family sedan, the Prius went on sale in the U.S. in August, 2000 with an MSRP of $19,995.

Prius carried an EPA label fuel economy rating of 52 miles per gallon city and 45 highway, and an SULEV (super ultra low emission vehicle) certification - about 75 percent cleaner than ULEV and nearly 90 percent cleaner than LEV for smog forming exhaust gases.

Offered initially in one trim level, standard equipment on the Prius includes ABS brakes, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, an AM/FM/cassette stereo system, an eight-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid system warranty. Prius also comes with complementary seven-day/24-hour roadside assistance and three-year basic maintenance programs.

The 2002 Prius carried over unchanged with the exception of four new factory options - cruise control, daytime running lights, SRS side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger and DVD-based navigation system. Two new exterior colors were added, Brilliant Blue Pearl and Blue Moon Pearl.

The Prius remained unchanged for the 2003 model year. For exterior colors, Blue Moon Pearl was discontinued and Black became available.

For 2004, the all-new second-generation Toyota Prius gas/electric hybrid vehicle featured significantly more power and performance than the previous model, as well as best-in-class fuel economy and best-in-market emissions performance.

Larger and better in every metric of comparison, Prius launched Toyota’s second generation of gas/electric hybrid technology and is the first hybrid vehicle available to provide the room, comfort and features of a midsize sedan.

The 2004 Prius was the first Toyota product to employ Hybrid Synergy Drive, the latest in hybrid powertrain technology. The new system produces more power from both the gasoline engine and the electric motor, giving the new Prius acceleration comparable to a 4-cylinder midsize car.

Like the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) employed in the previous model, Hybrid Synergy Drive is defined as a full hybrid system. Unlike competitive systems currently on the market, the full hybrid system is capable of operating in gas or electric modes, as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor.

The Prius entered 2005 with just minor change.

The 2006 Prius received freshened front and rear lamps, advanced airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and four new exterior colors: Magnetic Gray, Barcelona Red, Silver Metallic, and Silver Pine Mica. In addition, a leather-trim interior and steering wheel, rear camera and MP3-media capability and universal mini-jack connector became available. A new Touring Edition model for 2007 offered a more engaging driving experience. In addition, the 2007 Prius gained standard driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, which were previously optional.

The 2008 Prius received a detail change: a Standard Package replaced the Base Package. This deleted cruise control, tonneau cover, wheel trim ring, heated mirrors and seat-back pocket.

For 2009, the Prius carries over unchanged.

For 2010, the all-new third-generation Toyota Prius gas/electric hybrid vehicle featured significantly more power and performance with a bold and aggressive new design, true midsize comfort and convenience, leading edge technology, as well as world-class fuel economy.

What does it mean?

Prius is Latin for “to go before,” suggesting it is a predecessor of cars to come.


Where is it built?

The first-generation Prius was built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan. The second-generation is built at Tsutsumi Plant also in Toyota City, Japan and Toyota Auto Body in Aichi, Japan.

CAMRY

Series Chronology

1983 - Introduced as replacement for Corona.

1983-1994 - Among “Best Buys” by Consumers Digest.

1985 - “Most Trouble-Free Car in America,” Consumer's Digest.

1987 - Second generation introduced.

1987 - All Camrys powered by 2.0L DOHC engines.

1987 - Introduction of All-Trac to Camry line.

1987 - Introduction of Camry wagon.

1987 - Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (TMM) announced.

1988 - First year of U.S.-built Camrys.

1988 - V6 added to Camry line.

1988-1990 - Rated “Most Trouble-Free Compact Car,” by Consumer's Digest.

1990 - Family Circle “Family Car of the Year.”

1990 - TMM receives J.D. Power Gold Plant Award.

1990 - Named “Best in Class” in Initial Quality by J.D. Power & Associates.

1990 - Among “Top Ten Models in Initial Quality,” J.D. Power & Associates.

1991 - TMM receives J.D. Power Silver Plant Award.

1991 - Among “Top Ten Models in Initial Quality,” J.D. Power & Associates.

1992 - Third generation introduced.

1992 - Wins Family Circle “Family Car of the Year.”

1992 - New Camry moves to mid-size classification.

1992 - Among “Top Ten Models in Initial Quality,” J.D. Power & Associates.

1992 - Among “Ten Best Cars,” Car and Driver.

1992 - “Import Car of the Year,” Automundo Magazine.

1992-1993 - Camry ranks in Top-10 in Initial Quality, J.D. Power.

1993 - Coupe model introduced.

1993 - TMM receives J.D. Power Gold Plant Award.

1993 - Named “Best in Price-Class,” J.D. Power.

1993 - Among “Ten Best Cars,” Car and Driver.

1993 - Named “All Star” by Automobile Magazine.

1993-1994 - “Family Car of the Year” Sedan Finalist, Family Circle.

1994 - All-aluminum V6 engine introduced.

1994 - TMM receives J.D. Power Gold Plant Award.

1994 - “Top Ten Models in Initial Quality,” J.D. Power & Associates.

1994 - “Best Overall Value” – Subcompact/Wagon over $15,000, Intellichoice

1994 - “Best Overall Value” – Compact Class over $16,500, Intellichoice

1995 - Minor front and rear fascia changes.

1996 - “Best Buy in Family Car Segment,” Consumer’s Digest.

1996 - “Best of What’s New,” Popular Science

1997 - Coupe and Wagon discontinued.

1997 - Fourth generation introduced.

1997 - Camry is best-selling-car in America for both ’97 model and calendar year

1997 - Among “Best Buys,” Consumer’s Digest

1997 - “Best Family Sedan,” Consumer Reports

1997 - Among “Most Reliable Used Vehicles, MY ‘89-95,” Consumer Reports

1997 - Among “Ten Best Cars,” Car and Driver

1997 - Named “Automobile All Star,” Automobile Magazine

1997 - “Golden Wheel Award Vehicle of the Year,” African Americans on Wheels

1997 - “Total Quality Award – Compact Car,” Strategic Vision, Inc.

1998 - Camry Solara sport coupe is introduced for ’99 Model Year.

1998 - Camry is best-selling car in America for second consecutive year

1998 - Among “Best Buys,” Consumer’s Digest

1999 - “Best Passenger Car in Initial Quality,” J.D. Power

1999 - Among “Best Buys,” Consumer’s Digest

1999 - Rated “A Best Overall Value in Midsize Class,” IntelliChoice, Inc.

Complete Car Cost Guide

1999 - Camry is best-selling car in America for third consecutive year

2000 - “Best Buy,” Consumer’s Digest

2000 - Among Consumer Guide’s Best Buy Midsize Car

2000 - Among “Best Picks for Safety,” Money Magazine

2000 - “Best Family Car,” Consumer Reports

2000 - Camry is best-selling car in America for fourth consecutive year

2001 - Special “Gallery Series” edition available on the Camry LE

2001 - AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS) award for Mid-Size Car

2001 - AutoWeek’s America’s Best Award

2001 - Among Consumer Guide’s Best Buy Midsize Car

2002 - Fifth generation Camry introduced

2002 - “Best Family Sedan” in Money Magazine’s Car Guide 2002 (March 2002 Issue)

2002 - Received the International Carwash Association Most Washable Car award

2002 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – “Best Pick” rating for 40-mile per hour front offset crash test

2002 - Detroit News names Camry “Car of the Year.”

2002 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) names Camry “Best Pick.”

2002 - International Car Wash Association award for “Most Washable Car.”

2002 - Camry is best-selling car in America for fifth time in the last six years

2003 - Beginning in January 2003, Camry receives a PZEV engine for models with four-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions sold in California.

2003 - Camry is best-selling car in America for sixth time in the last seven years (CY 2003)

2003 - Among Consumer Guide’s Best Buy Midsize Car

2004 - Changes to engine and drivetrain for XLE and SE models; Limited Edition Camry

2004 - “Best Bet,” The Car Book 2004

2004 - Camry listed as “Best Sedan” and Camry LE named “Best Vehicles for $25,000 or Less,” car – Consumer Reports

2004 - “Best Cars for Families” sedans category, AAA/Parents magazine

2004 - Among Consumer Guide’s Best Buy Midsize Car

2005 - 5-speed automatic transmission and VSC available for 4-cylinder models; ABS standard for all; minor style freshening.

2005 - Among Consumer Guide’s 2005 Best Buy Midsize Cars

2005 - 4-cylinder Camry on Consumer Reports list for “Most Reliable,” Sedans, Camry LE 4-cylinder and V6 listed as “Best Vehicles for $25,000 or Less,” Cars

2005 - Camry is best-selling car in America for the fourth year in a row and eighth time in the past nine years.

2006 - Among Consumer Guide’s 2006 Best Buy Midsize Cars

2006 - Car Book 2006 “Best Bet”

2007 - Sixth generation Camry introduced

2007 - Camry Hybrid is first Toyota hybrid to be built in the U.S.

2007 - Camry Hybrid named “Eco-Friendly Car of the Year” by Cars.com Lifestyle Awards

2007 - Camry Hybrid named “Best Environmentally-Friendly Car for Women” by FAMA-AUTOS

2007 - Among MotorWeek “Drivers’ Choice” award winners

2007 - Camry Hybrid named “Cars.com Lifestyle Award Winner” – Most Eco-Friendly Car of the Year category.

2007 - Camry given the “Editor’s Choice Award” by Cars.com – Commuters category.

2007 - Given the “Editor’s Choice Award” by Cars.com – First Car: Solid Choices under $20,000 category.

2007 - Given the “Editor’s Choice Award” by Cars.com – Small Families category.

2007 - Camry Hybrid named one of the “Top Five Green Vehicles for 2007” by Green Car Journal Online.

2007 - Camry named one of the “Best Cars for Families,” AAA/Parents Magazine.

2007 - “Car of the Year,” Motor Trend

2007 - “Hybrid of the Year,” Autobytel

2007 - “Best New Midsize Car,” Autobytel

2007 - “Green Car of the Year,” Green Car Journal

2007 - “International Car of the Year,” Road & Travel

2007 - “Best of the Best,” (Hybrid Version) The Detroit News

2008 - Camry named “Best-Selling Automobile” by Los Angeles Business Journal

2008 - Consumer Choice Award – “#1 Overall Most Requested New Vehicle” by Autobytel/MyRide.com

2008 - Consumer Choice Award – “Most Requested New Passenger Car” by Autobytel/MyRide.com

2008 - Consumer Reports “Most Satisfying” – Family Cars Category

2008 - Named top hybrid car for 2008 by U.S. News and World Report

2009 - U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 Best Car for the money award

2009 - Named Best New Family Vehicle by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

2009 - “Best Bets,” Cars.com

2010 – 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission; restyle front and rear.

 

Introduced in 1983 to replace the Corona, the Camry soon took its place as Toyota's value- and volume-leader.  Camry was introduced as a front-wheel drive vehicle available in either four-door sedan or five-door hatchback configuration. It won acclaim from Consumer's Digest in 1986 as a "Best Buy", and has remained on the list since then.

In 1986, Toyota broke ground on an all-new production facility in Georgetown, Ky., Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (TMM), with the first U.S.-built Camry rolling out of the plant in 1988.

The 1987 model year saw the introduction of the second generation Camry. With it, Toyota also introduced a new 2.0L 16-valve four-cylinder engine, followed in 1988 by a new 2.5L 24-valve V6. The 1987 model year also saw the release of a station wagon to replace the hatchback, and the option of All-Trac, Toyota's full-time all-wheel-drive system, on all models.

Camry grew up for 1992. The third-generation model was larger in every dimension than the previous model, and Camry became classified as "midsize." Engines were now 2.2L four-cylinder units (producing almost as much power as the previous V6, but with four-cylinder economy), and 3.0L V-6s. Due to dwindling sales and high engineering costs, Toyota dropped the All-Trac model. Domestic production soared and TMM became the sole production facility world-wide for the Camry station wagon.

Safety had always been an important consideration for the Camry, and in 1994, it was available with dual front airbags as standard equipment. The vehicle also met 1997 side-impact standards three years before it was required to.

1994 also saw the addition of the U.S.-built Camry coupe to the lineup. Available with both four- and six-cylinder engines and in DX, LE and SE trim levels, it brought a new audience to Camry.

All-new for 1997, the new Camry was quieter, lighter and more powerful with better ride quality and improved handling.

Both of Camry’s engines received horsepower and torque increases. The new CE base-grade (replacing DX nomenclature) reintroduced the five-speed manual V6.

With an additional two inches in wheelbase, a lowered beltline and swept-back windshield, the 1997 Camry’s cabin was more spacious and inviting. NVH was reduced and new convenience features included separate rear headrests, dual rear cupholders, front overhead storage console, a glove box volume increase of 29% and a second power port for cellular phones and other electronic equipment. The power mast antenna was eliminated on the LE and XLE models and replaced with an on-glass antenna.

The 1997 Camry was the safest Camry yet, meeting or exceeding all current and foreseeable crash test criteria for North America, Europe and Asia. New safety features included enhanced impact protection, a three-point seatbelt to the center rear seat, and an optional Child Restraint System (CRS) with fabric seats. Traction control, offered for the first time on a front-engine front-wheel drive Toyota, was an available option for 1997. ABS was now standard on all models except the four-cylinder CE, in which it could be ordered as a low-cost option.

For 1998, both four- and six-cylinder engines (with the exception of the five-speed/V6 combination) were rated as Low Emission Vehicles with the EPA. Other changes to the line were the introduction of the redesigned sound system head units found in all 1998 Toyotas and two new colors.

For 2000, the Camry sedan received exterior styling enhancements with a new front fascia that features a new grille and bumper design and multi-reflector headlamps. Camry’s styling featured new rear combination taillights with wider horizontal reflectors and a new bumper design for a smoother appearance. Camry’s side protection molding was also redesigned, with XLE models adding a chrome accent. The exterior enhancements were capped off with new 15-inch wheel covers for the LE grade and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels for the XLE V6.

The interior received convenience upgrades in the area of audio systems, new fabric seats and value packages that include leather-trimmed interiors and power seats. The interior also received simulated wood trim as standard equipment.

For 2001, the Camry offered a special “Gallery Series” edition on the Camry LE grade. It featured a two-tone exterior paint, upgraded two-tone seat fabric, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, carbon fiber trimmed center stack and shift plate, chrome accent door lock levers and HVAC vents, chrome-tipped exhaust, “Gallery Series” badging, five-spoke aluminum wheels and chrome painted LE wheel covers.

The 2002 Camry was completely redesigned. It featured the first all-new platform in 10 years, making it roomier, quieter and more powerful. A new SE model grade was available with a sportier look. An all-new 2.4L four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT-i) powered the Camry. It generated 157 horsepower and achieved 23/32 mpg city/highway fuel economy. Camry also offered a 3.0L V6 that generated 192 horsepower. The V6 achieved 20/28 mpg city/highway. Both engines were EPA-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV). Three model grades were offered - LE, SE and XLE. A DVD-based navigation system was newly available. This GPS system had a faster calculating time than all of its competitors in the U.S. market.

The 2003 Camry entered the new model year unchanged, with the exception of standard fog lamps on the XLE grade and available power adjustable pedals on all trim levels with automatic transmission.

The 2004 Camry received a few upgrades to select models. The SE V6 model received a new 3.3L V6 engine with VVT-i that produced 225 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. XLE and SE models became available with a five-speed super electronically-controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (SECT-i). A Limited Edition Camry LE model featured a unique exterior as well as interior enhancements.

The 2005 Camry featured freshened exterior styling with redesigned headlights, taillights, grille and wheels. The interior receives several enhancements, including Optitron instrument gauge meters, and, for the LE model, chrome interior door handles and gearshift base. The LE and XLE grades featured new seat fabric, while leather seating surfaces were standard on the XLE V6 model.

On four-cylinder models, a five-speed automatic transmission replaced the four-speed automatic as an option. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) became standard on all models, and four-cylinder models could for the first time be equipped with the optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system.

The 2006 Camry was a carry-over with the exception of navigation becoming available as a stand-alone option on SE V6 models.

The sixth generation, Camry was redesigned for the 2007 model year. It featured a longer wheelbase and wider track for a comfortable ride and roomy interior.

The Camry was available in four grades, CE, LE, SE and XLE and for the first time as a hybrid model featuring Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The CE, LE, XLE and Camry Hybrid rode on 16-inch steel or aluminum wheels, while the sporty SE got unique aluminum 17-inch wheels. Models with the V6 engine have dual exhaust with chrome tips.

Standard features on CE models included air conditioning with a pollen filter, power windows and door locks, cruise control, Optitron gauges, tire-pressure monitor system and six-speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack.

SE models had sport-tuned suspension calibrated for a firmer ride and better handling, black honeycomb-style grille, ground-effects body enhancement, smoked tint halogen headlamps, unique sport-trimmed interior and amber-colored Optitron gauges.

XLE content included upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control with steering-wheel controls, a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth^® technology for hands-free calling, and reclining rear seats. Four-cylinder XLE models come standard with special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin.

The Camry Hybrid was certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). Its heating and air conditioning featured Plasmacluster ionizer technology which helped reduce airborne mold spores, microbe, fungi, odor, germs and bacteria inside the passenger cabin.

With the exception of updated darker wood trim on XLE grade cars, the 2008 Camry was carried over from 2007.

For 2009, the Camry was largely carried over with the exception of a change of an optional wheel finish on the LE grade. CE grade was renamed Camry grade.

For 2010, the Camry sedan is receiving exterior styling enhancements with a new front fascia that features a new grille and bumper design and larger projection headlamps. Camry’s styling features new rear combination taillights a new bumper design. The exterior enhancements are capped off with new alloys for XLE and SE and new wheel covers for LE.

The interior is receiving auto up/down power window with jam protection on all four door, available USB port for auxiliary music source and Bluetooth on LE and SE models, available Smart Key on XLE four-cylinder and SE with automatic transmission. Camry Hybrid is receiving enhanced meter cluster and Fraichir cloth seating surfaces.

What does it mean?

Camry: From the Japanese Kan-Muri, meaning "crown".

Where is it built?

All Camrys are built at the Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and at TMMK in Georgetown, Ky.

Top 10 Myths About Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars have become synonymous with a lot of things lately. Love them or hate them, it seems everyone has an opinion on what they are, what they should be and what they are going to be in the future. Surprisingly, and despite all the talk, there are still a lot of people who think that hybrid cars run on electricity alone, or that they cause more pollution than a Hummer.

I'd like to recap some of the biggest myths surrounding hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and, hopefully, at the same time tell you something you didn't know about these cars.

First, the basics you need to know in order to understand what I'm saying below. If you have more than a basic understanding about hybrid cars, please skip ahead to the myths below.

Modern day hybrid electric vehicles are powered by two different engines. The first is an electric motor powered by a battery pack and the second is an internal combustion engine (ICE) that runs on gasoline. The battery pack is recharged in one of two ways, by regenerative braking and/or by the gasoline engine. They all have start-stop capability (the gas engine can shut off when the car stops), and when you start the car, the gas engine may not even come on.

Myth #1: All Hybrid Cars Are ____
But hybrid cars are not all the same. There are currently over a dozen hybrid cars on the market, with more on the way. This includes the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid (soon), Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Lexus GS 450h, Lexus LS 600h L, Honda Accord Hybrid (retired), Honda Insight (retired), Honda Civic Hybrid, GMC Yukon Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Saturn Vue Green Line, and Saturn Aura Green Line.

There were a couple of (mild) hybrid trucks available from GM, but they are retired. GM will be bringing back full hybrid version (ex: Sierra Hybrid) using their dual mode hybrid system, plus the Escalade Hybrid. Meanwhile Chrysler is bringing a hemi-hybrid to market, and Honda is promising a global hybrid that they believe will be a Prius killer.

A lot of companies are experimenting with diesel hybrids (although, so far, no one seems willing to double the cost premium and bring one to market) and the larger companies are testing plug-in hybrid cars.

While some hybrid cars can be moved at slower speeds on electric power alone, no gas is used at all (called full hybrids), others cannot move at all without the gas engine running (called mild or assist hybrids). Some are built for fuel economy, others were built for performance. Some have been wildly successful (see the Prius), while others have failed (see the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Insight). Some are large (see the GMC Yukon Hybrid) while others are small (see the Honda Civic Hybrid). There are hybrid SUVs, hybrid trucks, and hybrid sedans out there. Some have large battery packs, while others have small ones.

At the end of the day, you need to investigate each one and see what it is capable of. If someone starts talking about how hybrid cars don't improve fuel economy, for example look at the Honda Accord Hybrid (I've seen a lot of stories that take this premise over the years), you need to look closer than that.

Also, each driver is different. While some hybrid drivers are very careful about how they drive and try to maximize their fuel economy (hypermilers), others simply assume the hybrid engine will do the work for them. There is a myth that hybrid drivers are smug about what they are doing. People see them driving slowly in the right hand lane, or driving alone in the HOV lane and assume they are showing off. They also assume that hybrid cars can't break 100 mph.

But hybrid car owners are no better or worse than anyone else. Despite the myth, they still get caught speeding, they do get tickets (see the image, supplied sfjim123 by flickr who says the picture was taken in SF and the driver is a scofflaw who hasn't paid for at least five tickets, thus the boot.)

I admit it, I'm always surprised when I see a Prius pass me going 80+ on the highway. But I shouldn't be. Nor should I be surprised when I see someone suing the car makers for lying about what kind of fuel economy they are getting. Each driver is different and each person will get different mpg numbers.

Each hybrid car and each driver is different and should be treated that way. It doesn't make my life easier since I write about them so much, but there is a lot of diversity out there.

Myth #2: Hybrid Cars Need to be Plugged In
This one is surprising to still see, and yet not surprising at the same time. Hybrid electric cars do not need to be plugged in. The problem, however, is the next generation of hybrid electric cars, called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) will need to be plugged in.

So this one is a myth and not a myth at the same time.

Every time I see a story on how you need to plug in cars overnight, I sort of cringe at the bad reporting. There are no publicly available PHEVs on the road right now. There are test vehicles, out there from the car makers, because the time is coming when they will be available to the general public (as soon as 2009 for the Saturn Vue plug-in, for instance). But they are not out there now.

It's understandable why people believe this one. All of our electronic gadgets need to be plugged in, from cell phones to iPods to laptops. And everyone keeps talking about those battery packs and how similar they are to what you already have. But as of right now, they don't get plugged in, and you don't even have the option to do so.

Myth #3: The Battery Pack Wears Out / Needs to be Replaced in 5, 6, 8 or 10 Years
This one is harder to refute and yet it is still a myth. We have been conditioned by our personal gadgets, again those laptops and iPods and cell phones, to expect the battery will need to be replaced. We just expect it to happen.

But the truth is different.

Hybrid cars were designed differently. The battery packs are actually controlled by the computer to stay within a certain charge level. By keeping it from becoming too full and from being depleted, the battery packs are able to last 'the lifetime' of a car. What that lifetime is still uncertain.

There are no massive returns on hybrid car battery packs. Yes, there has been a recall, there have been exceptions to the rule where the battery pack just won't hold a charge in a single vehicle, but these have been exceptions to the rule. And in every case that I've heard about, the hybrid system, including the battery pack, has still been under warranty. Which means we still don't really know how much it costs to replace the battery packs. A recent search on E-Bay (see the prior link) showed a used battery pack for the Prius cost around $1,000.

If you know of a real case where someone had to pay upfront for the cost of replacing a hybrid battery pack, please let me know about in the comments.

Myth #4: You Will Have to Pay $10,000 to Replace the Battery Pack in X Years
Similar to the Myth above, people assume the battery pack is going to need to be replaced, and at a high price. The truth is the hybrid system, including the battery pack, are supposed to last the lifetime of the car. But if it doesn't chances are very good the car company will replace the battery pack for you for free. The warranty of 100K or even 150K almost guarantees it.

This myth is a little more sinister in that it puts a downward pressure on the used hybrid car market. But so far, it has had little affect, as hybrid cars tend to retain their value even better than their all gas counterparts.

Myth #5: Hybrid Cars Are Worse For the Environment that Hummers
This myth comes from the CNW Marketing 'study' that declared Hummers use less energy in their life cycle (dust to dust) than the Prius. Slate recently debunked this one, so I won't go any farther into it.

But I did want to mention that, like the batteries in normal cars, most of a hybrid car battery pack is recyclable. Toyota even has a $200 bounty set for each pack for when it is sent in.

Myth #6: Hybrid Cars Don't Pollute / Don't run on Gasoline at All
Hybrid Electric Cars run by bringing two different hybrid sources together, electric and gasoline. While the electric motor doesn't emit anything, the gas engine does. Since the gas engine is needed less, the emissions are less. Some hybrid cars have won awards because they are so green, and the Prius and Civic Hybrid are usually right at the top of any 'green' list. But that doesn't mean they don't emit something (see image from Bjørnar Haveland via flickr who comments "Those things are supposed to be running on volts and amps, aren't they? Funny thing then, that it comes with the same wee plume of smoke as its carbon-fed colleagues. Hint: Even Priuses are only environmental-friendly if you keep them on an electric diet. ").

If emissions are important to you, you need to investigate the mpg. While the relationship isn't one-to-one, the emissions from a car are highly correlated with the mileage. As I mentioned before, each hybrid car (truck or SUV) is different and your mileage, and therefore your emissions, will vary.

Which brings me to a very important point. Just because it's a hybrid that doesn't mean it's going to have stupendous fuel economy. More and more people are coming to that conclusion, including government agencies. Which is why you are going to see more and more restrictions on hybrid car perks than we have in the past. Just having a hybrid doesn't mean you can enter the HOV lane or get free parking anymore.

Myth #7: Emergency Workers Are Getting Hurt When Hybrid Cars Are Involved in Accidents
This one is again hard to refute, because how do you prove that it hasn't happened? (If you've seen a story, please let me know about it).

Hybrid cars do have large battery packs inside, with high voltage wires that emergency workers need to be aware of. Car makers have made the battery shut itself off from the rest of the car when it is involved in an emergency.

They also need to be more aware that the car is a hybrid, because when it is stopped the gas engine may not be running even though the car is still on. First responders are being trained to be aware of these issues (you certainly don't want to cut through a high voltage wire if you need to cut someone out of a car), and you definitely don't want to assume a car engine is off when it really isn't.

But the truth is they are being trained on these issues. Just like they are being trained on avoiding cutting through air bags. I realize that emergency workers are very aware of all the things that can go wrong during a rescue, but as of right now, the precautions they and the car makers have made are working.

Myth #8: You Won't Get Your Money Back on the Premium
This is a hard one to understand. What other car out there do you wonder about getting your money back on? I guess it's understandable since you are paying more for that second engine and battery pack than you would for a single ICE, but it's still funny that only hybrids and diesels are held to this particular standard.

Be that as it may, the standard is there and it has been passed. I know it's hard to believe it because everyone does that initial calculation (if gas costs this much, and I drive this much, and my mileage is so and so, I'll save $XXX a year over buying this other car). Unfortunately, this is a very naive way of calculating how much a car is going to cost you.

By some estimates about half of a cars costs comes from the resale value. (Keep this in mind anytime you see a reporter talking about the hybrid premium. If he doesn't bring up resale costs, he's not giving you the whole story). And used hybrid cars are very hot for a lot of reasons. People are hoping to buy a used hybrid and start saving money on gasoline. That puts a lot of upwards pressure on the used car prices.

Another good percentage of how much a car costs to own is its reliability and its maintenance costs. Well, as I've already mentioned, the hybrid system including the electric motor and battery pack are covered under warranty for a very long time. They also require very little or no maintenance. That just leaves the gas engine and the rest of a car's normal maintenance. Comparably speaking, that should put you even.

But the truth is hybrids tend to be even more reliable than their gas only counterparts. They also cost less to maintain because you need to change the oil less and the brake pads last longer (the regenerative brakes take up some of the strain on the brake pads, which means they last longer). That means maintaining a hybrid car costs less.

Now this assumes you can avoid going to a dealership for maintenance, or at least have a great deal with them. If you end going to them all the time, your costs can escalate quickly.

Myth #9: Hybrid Car Interest in Waining/Waxing, Just Look at This Months Numbers
The truth is hybrid cars are very popular and gaining in popularity. All you have to do is look around at all the sites and the number of hybrid cars the car makers are bringing out to know that. But reporters need to talk about something and when they talk about popularity, they usually talk about sales numbers. The problem is they don't seem to want to investigate availability.

Hybrid cars are very popular right now, but they are still being limited in sales. Some car makers are still losing money on every hybrid car they sell (see Ford, GM, and Nissan), but they don't want to be seen as being not 'green' or not being innovative. So they are bringing the hybrid cars to their dealerships in low numbers.

Each hybrid car they sell may be at a loss.

But with enough time and enough sales, the economy of scale will take over and they will start making money off of them. Toyota is making money and I believe Honda is as well (it's not like I know for sure... I'm not part of any car companies and I haven't bothered to ask them if it's true). Mostly that's because they were so far ahead of the others in introducing hybrid cars, which means that the others will catch up.

In the meantime, car makers are trying to make up the difference by selling a lot of premium equipment (NAV units and other luxury items) as non-optional equipment. That way they won't lose as much money.

In the meantime, in general, hybrid car sales are limited by their availability numbers. That's not the case for every hybrid car (see my warning about the differences between each car above, plus the failure of the Honda Accord Hybrid), but it is true overall. That's why it's such a big deal that Toyota is expanding its ability make the Prius. Since one out of every two hybrids sold in the US is a Prius, where it goes, the market goes.

To get a real glimpse at how popular a car is relative to it's availability, you need to see the 'days to turn.' That tells you how long a car spends on the dealership lots before being sold. The Prius has been below the average, even though it's now one of the top 10 cars sold in the US. Which means the demand still isn't being met.

Myth #10: Hybrid Cars Have Only Been Around for About a Decade
This one is sort of a half myth. Modern hybrid cars have only been around for a decade or so. The rebirth of the hybrid car occurred when the first two modern hybrid cars, the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, came out almost simultaneously.

But they weren't the first hybrid cars to ever be.

In fact, although it's not well known, gas engine and electric engines competed fiercely way back when the car was first invented for pre-eminence. Eventually gas engines won out through cost and power, but it wasn't a given. And hybrid electric engines were tried out (see the 1917 Woods Dual Power) and have been tried again whenever the cost of gas has become a real issue (see the plug-in hybrid car from GM in 1969).

Honda and Toyota may have begun a real revolution in how hybrid electric cars are made, but they just weren't the first to try.

Conclusion
So that's it. That's my top 10 myths on hybrid cars. This article is longer than I first anticipated, but I still feel like I've left out a lot. It seems I've learned quite a bit about hybrid cars over the past couple of years.

What do you think? Which one is the most annoying myth to you? Do you feel like I left something really important out? Leave a comment and let me know what you think about my list.

Woods Dual Power - Hybrid Car of 1917

The first hybrid gas electric car did not come out in 1983, but in 1917. The Woods Dual Power was built by the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago. Because the gas engine was so rough, but supplied more power and electric cars were smoother, but had limited range, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company wanted to supply a car that gave you the best of both worlds.

The best part is, it was a full hybrid (listen up GM) with regenerative braking. The engine was a parallel hybrid that included a 12-hp, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as an auxiliary drive system in addition to the electric drive train. The electric engine could propel the car up to 20 mph. Together with the gas engine, the dual wood power could get up to 35 mph.

The gas engine and electric engine were connected using a magnetic clutch. The gas engine became magnetized when activated (by a lever controlled by the driver). The copper disk was pulled against the flywheel connecting the electric motor to the gas engine.

Only the electric motor could be used while going in reverse. Why? Because the engine had no clutch and so the gas engine had no gears!

The car battery designed for this car was about half the size of the batteries in other electric cars of the time. Once the car got up to 20 mph, the gas engine could be engaged, allowing the electric motor and gas motor to work together. The battery could be recharged or discharged by another lever. Recharging was done by the gas motor (at speeds over 6 mph) or by braking on level ground or when coasting down hills. A conventional brake pedal was only used at speeds of less than 6 mph.

Available for only $2650 (remember this was 1917). Wire wheels were a luxury, costing an extra $25. Or you could 'pimp' your vehicle out for another $100 (paint and trim).

Ultimately, the first hybrid was a commercial failure. It was built only in 1917 and 1918. It was too expensive, too slow, and too difficult to service to be a commercial success.

Want to learn more about this remarkable vehicle? Take a look here or go to the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. They have one of only three Woods Dual Power vehicles known to be in existence. There is (reportedly) a 1916 Woods Dual Power (hybrid) in the holdings of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.

I saw a story on the 1917 Woods Dual Power at CNN Money and had to research it further. Yahoo Autos has a history of hybrid electric cars, starting in 1905.