Toyota’s new energy vehicles strategy

This revolutionary powertrain technology debuted in 1997 in the Toyota Prius. Recent developments in the global motoring arena have placed a far greater emphasis on new energy vehicles (NEV) and alternative propulsion technologies. This is where Toyota’s NEV roadmap kicks in. Toyota’s branded strategy “Towards carbon neutral” boasts a number of intermediate milestones between now and 2050. Its strategy included emission free manufacturing processes also. Part of making hybrids mainstream, is the release of the hybrid Corolla Cross and the RAV4. The Crosses’ 1.8-litre, employs Atkinson-cycle technology to deliver outstanding thermal efficiency, helping to deliver low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and presents significant advances in battery, electric motor and petrol engine technologies. The smaller electric motors provide a supplementary 53kW and 163Nm (at full capacity) – to boost overall system output to 90kW. The hybrid powertrain also employs a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox. The Corolla Hybrid offers a fuel index figure of 3.5 l/100 km. CO2 emissions are equally low, registering 81g/km and a single tank – depending on your driving style, can give you 1200km on a single tank. Corolla Xs CVT Hybrid pricing is R419 900 and includes a six services or 90 000km service plan is standard with service intervals pegged at 15 000km / 12 months. This also includes an 8-year / 195 000km hybrid battery warranty. Source: MotorPress