Toyota is keeping pace with the global transition to green energy alternatives by offering a lineup of energy-efficient alternative fuel vehicles. Unfortunately, many people don’t fully understand the new technology that powers these vehicles, which results in various misconceptions. To clarify things, we had our alternative fuel vehicle experts break down the Toyota lineup. After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of these vehicles and how you can benefit from owning one.
What is an Alternative Fuel Vehicle?
Image by Rutger van der Maar is licensed with CC BY 2.0
We often think of fuel as gasoline and use these words interchangeably. When we are talking about alternative fuel vehicles, we are referring to cars that run on an alternative fuel to gas. However, you can define fuel as anything that is used to operate something. For example, food acts as fuel for our body and provides energy to work, play, grow, and heal. Wind provides enough power to propel boats when it is captured in a sail. Wood or coal that is burned on a stove provides enough heat to warm your house or cook your food. Electricity lights up your home and powers your television and other electronics. Nuclear power transforms nuclear energy into more useable electrical energy.
Of course, you can’t attach a sail to your car or use wood to power your vehicle’s engine. Your car requires gasoline or an alternative. Several revolutionary new alternative fuel vehicles have appeared in the automotive industry, and Toyota is at the forefront. In 2022, Toyota announced a hybrid version of every car in their lineup. Toyota plans to continue expanding its electric, hydrogen, and hybrid technology powertrain lineup for 2023 and beyond.
2023 Toyota Prius Prime Hydrogen-Powered Plug-In Hybrid
Toyota first introduced the Prius in 1997. The Prius was the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle, and it quickly caught the attention of the automobile industry by demonstrating that hybrid technology worked. Over the years, the hybrid and EV market turned from efficient vehicles without much in the way of style, comfort, or performance into fun-to-drive vehicles that were loaded with sophisticated style and the latest technology.
You can get the Prius Prime with a sporty exterior styling. Inside, you’ll enjoy the beautiful and durable SofTex synthetic upholstery and the latest in-vehicle technology, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is operated with an 11.6-inch touchscreen with a split-screen capability. In addition, the Qi-compatible wireless charging station keeps your smartphone charged without the cords. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver-assist systems will help you drive safely.
The Prius will be available as gasoline and hydrogen PHEVs and a hybrid for the 2023 model year. For the first time, Toyota will blend hydrogen power with plug-in hybrid technology. Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Prius doesn’t use a hydrogen battery system that chemically converts hydrogen into electricity like the Toyota Mirai’s powertrain. Instead, it replaces the gas-burning engine with a hydrogen model.
2023 Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Toyota sold the first mass-produced Mirai in 2015. Since then, global sales have reached over 20,000 units. The mid-size Mirai sedan uses hydrogen to propel the vehicle. In this powertrain, hydrogen from the fuel tank joins with air from the intake grille in the fuel cell stack. A chemical reaction occurs when hydrogen and oxygen mix, which creates electricity that powers the Mirai. The chemical reaction only produces water, which makes it eco-friendly.
Mirai’s exterior blends coupe dynamics with fastback styling to create a sleek, sporty appearance. Inside, you have the SofTex upholstery and the latest tech, including Toyota Teammate, which is the new suite of driver-assist systems. Teammate includes Advanced Drive and Advanced Park. With Advanced Drive, your Mirai takes more control when driving on mapped roadways, while Advanced Park makes parking as simple as pushing a button.
2023 Toyota Corolla Hydrogen Plug-In Hybrid
Toyota has plans to remake the popular Corolla sedan using hydrogen as fuel in a hybrid powertrain. The powertrain uses a similar hybrid-engine technology that burns hydrogen instead of gasoline. You can expect the hydrogen PHEV Corolla to come with the same sharp exterior style and premium interior features as the standard Corolla.
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Toyota continues to expand its hybrid lineup with the all-new Corolla Cross Hybrid. This elegant SUV’s bold exterior styling, expansive, comfortable interior, and capable hybrid powertrain make it the perfect choice for your adventurous lifestyle. The hybrid engine delivers 194 hp while providing exceptional fuel efficiency. The standard all-wheel drive allows you to leave the pavement behind, while the paddle shifters and sport-tuned suspension make staying on the road a more exciting driving experience.
2023 Toyota bZ4X
The long-awaited Toyota bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV) has finally arrived. This all-electric BEV comes with aggressive styling cues, 20-inch alloy wheels, and an available all-wheel drive. Plus, you get up to 252 miles of driving range on a full charge with front-wheel drive and 242 miles with AWD. Its fast-charging capability achieves 80% power in as little as 30 minutes to get you quickly back on the road. Toyota has partnered with EVgo, a nationwide charging network of over 30,000 stations, which means that you get one year of complimentary charging at any EVgo station when you purchase a 2023 bZ4X.
A 12.3-inch multi-media touchscreen controls all your tech. Sync your smart devices with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for wireless operation. Apple Music and Amazon Music come preloaded for your listening pleasure, and you also get a free three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. In addition, Toyota has installed the next generation of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which is the latest suite of driver-assist systems designed to elevate your driving experience. You’ll enjoy advanced cruise control, forward collision alert, blind-spot protection, and automatic emergency braking, as well as the other conventional systems.
Toyota’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is on track as they continue setting new standards for alternative fuel vehicles. At Longo Toyota of Prosper, we understand that not everyone wants to make the leap to an all-electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and that’s the beauty of the Toyota lineup. There is a hybrid powertrain option for every Toyota model. Plug-in hybrid options exist for those who are looking to maximize the gas-powered hybrid. Toyota also has vehicles available for those savvy drivers who appreciate the zero emissions of all-electric and hydrogen fuel cell power.
If you’re ready to elevate your Prosper commute with a reliable and efficient alternative fuel vehicle, Longo Toyota of Prosper invites you to explore our inventory online. Once you decide on which cars you want to take a closer look at, come and visit us on University Drive. Our friendly, professional staff will answer any questions and let you take your favorite vehicle for a test drive.
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