Ameer Randolph
The Toyota Prius C, also known as the Toyota Aqua in Japan, is a full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact/supermini hatchback. It was ranked by the EPA as the 2012 most fuel-efficient compact car when plug-in electric vehicles are excluded. The Prius C is not a fuel cell car, but Toyota has been actively supporting and developing fuel cell cars, such as the Toyota Mirai, which is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that requires hydrogen fuel to run. Fuel cell vehicles, including the Mirai, utilize a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, powering the vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency | Ranked by the EPA as the 2012 model year's most fuel-efficient compact car excluding plug-in electric vehicles |
| Comparison with standard Prius Liftback | 150 mm (5.9 in) shorter wheelbase; 490 mm (19.1 in) shorter overall length |
| Vehicle class | American subcompact |
| Compliance with Japanese government dimension regulations | Yes |
| Engine size | 1.5 litres |
| Driving modes | EV Mode, ECO Mode |
| Fuel economy (2017 model) | 48 mpg-US (4.9 L/100 km; 58 mpg-imp) city, 43 mpg-US (5.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg-imp) highway, 46 mpg-US (5.1 L/100 km; 55 mpg-imp) combined |
| Assembly location | Iwate Plant of Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc. in Kanegasaki, Iwate, Japan |
| Initial production capacity | 12,000 units per month |
| Maximum production capacity | 30,000 units per month |
| First facelift | November 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show |
| Discontinuation | End of the 2019 model year in North America; early 2020 in Australia |
| Similar models | Chevrolet Volt, Toyota FT-CH |
| Toyota's plans for Prius line | Offer all models in hybrid form as well as gas, then move the Prius line up to all being BEVs |
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What You'll Learn
The Toyota Prius C is a hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact car
The Prius C was first unveiled as a concept car at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and it takes design cues from the Toyota FT-CH concept vehicle that was showcased at the same event in 2010. The production version of the Prius C was later introduced at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, alongside two other Aqua concepts: the Aqua Kiriri and the Aqua Piriri. The Prius C features Toyota's Generation 3 Hybrid Synergy Drive with a 1.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder, 16-valve gasoline engine, similar to the earliest Prius models.
The compact size of the Prius C makes it easier to park in tight spaces, and it offers improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard Prius. In 2012, the EPA ranked the Prius C as the most fuel-efficient compact car, excluding plug-in electric vehicles. The 2017 Prius C is rated at 48 mpg-US (city) and 43 mpg-US (highway) under the United States Environmental Protection Agency test cycles. The vehicle also offers two driving modes: "EV Mode" for electric driving up to one mile, and "ECO Mode" for maximizing fuel economy by adjusting climate control and throttle input.
While the Prius C has been discontinued in North America and Australia, it enjoyed a successful run in the Japanese market, with over 1,154,500 units sold through January 2017. The popularity of the Prius C contributed to Toyota's success in the hybrid vehicle market, and the company continues to explore new technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to reduce carbon emissions and drive innovation in the automotive industry.
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The Prius C was ranked the most fuel-efficient compact car by the EPA in 2012
The Toyota Prius C, also known as the Aqua, was ranked the most fuel-efficient compact car by the EPA in 2012, excluding plug-in electric vehicles. The Prius C is a hybrid vehicle that was first unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was designed as a "city-centric" vehicle, smaller than the standard Prius, and targeted at younger buyers without families who require less cargo space and fewer luxury features. The Prius C has a shorter wheelbase and overall length than the standard Prius, placing it in the American subcompact class.
The Prius C features Toyota's Generation 3 Hybrid Synergy Drive with a 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder, 16-valve with VVT-i gasoline engine. It offers two driving modes: "EV Mode" enables all-electric driving for up to one mile, while "ECO Mode" maximises fuel economy by limiting the operation of the climate control and adjusting throttle input. Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test cycles, the 2017 Prius C is rated at 48 mpg-US (4.9 L/100 km) in the city and 43 mpg-US (5.5 L/100 km) on the highway, for a combined fuel economy of 46 mpg-US (5.1 L/100 km).
The Prius C was initially produced at the Iwate Plant of Toyota Motor East Japan, with a maximum monthly production capacity of 30,000 units. It was first launched in Japan in December 2011 and quickly became a top-selling car in the Japanese market. In 2012, a total of 315,406 units were sold worldwide, with Japan leading the sales at 266,574 units, representing 84.5% of global sales. The Prius C was discontinued in North America and Australia at the end of the 2019 model year.
The Prius C has contributed to Toyota's reputation for fuel efficiency, with the Prius model range consistently delivering impressive fuel economy ratings. The popularity of the Prius C and its success as a fuel-efficient compact car led to its ranking by the EPA in 2012.
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The car has two driving modes: EV and ECO mode
The Toyota Prius C is a full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact/supermini hatchback manufactured and marketed by Toyota. Notably, the Prius C was ranked by the EPA as the 2012 most fuel-efficient compact car when plug-in electric vehicles are excluded. The car offers two driving modes: EV and ECO mode. The EV mode enables electric driving for up to one mile, while the ECO mode maximises fuel economy by limiting the operation of the climate control and adjusting throttle input. The ECO mode is particularly useful for maximising fuel efficiency when driving in urban areas or during long-distance travel on highways.
The EV mode in the Prius C provides a short-range electric driving option, allowing for a more environmentally friendly and quiet driving experience. This mode is suitable for short commutes, running errands, or driving in areas with strict emission regulations. On the other hand, the ECO mode optimises fuel efficiency by making adjustments to the car's systems. It prioritises maximising fuel economy, which can be particularly beneficial for long-distance trips or when driving in areas with limited access to refuelling stations.
The ECO mode in the Prius C focuses on maximising fuel efficiency by limiting the operation of the climate control system. This means that the air conditioning or heating may have reduced power or be turned off altogether to conserve fuel. Additionally, the ECO mode adjusts the throttle input, which refers to the response of the engine to the driver's acceleration. By adjusting the throttle input, the car can achieve better fuel economy, even when driven at higher speeds or on varied terrain.
The two driving modes offered in the Prius C cater to different driving needs and conditions. The EV mode is ideal for short distances and environmentally conscious driving, while the ECO mode ensures maximum fuel efficiency during longer trips or when driving in areas with limited refuelling options. The availability of these modes gives drivers the flexibility to choose the most suitable option based on their specific requirements and helps to improve the overall fuel economy of the vehicle.
The Prius C's EV and ECO modes not only provide practical benefits but also contribute to a more sustainable driving experience. By utilising the EV mode, drivers can reduce their carbon footprint and minimise local emissions. Similarly, the ECO mode's ability to maximise fuel economy leads to reduced fuel consumption, resulting in both economic and environmental advantages. These driving modes showcase Toyota's commitment to innovation and sustainability, as exemplified by their Beyond Zero vision, which aims for carbon neutrality in their products and operations.
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$115.5
Toyota has been developing FCV technology since 1992
The Toyota Prius C is not a fuel cell car. It is a hybrid car, with a 1.5-litre engine that uses gasoline.
Toyota, however, has been developing FCV (fuel cell vehicle) technology since 1992. The Japanese auto brand created its Electric Vehicle Development Division in 1992, setting the stage for research and development aimed at meeting stringent emission regulations. Over the years, the company has improved fuel cell technology and extended its capabilities to increase performance, driving range, and commercial viability.
In 1996, Toyota demonstrated its first Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). In 2002, the company developed the world's first Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle for limited lease, and the first FC bus certified by the Japanese government. In the same year, Toyota created a dedicated department to research this technology, with the Fuel Cell System Development Center. This division focused on the successful operation of fuel cell vehicles in extreme conditions and the certification of high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
In 2006, the commercial operation of the FCHV-BUS expanded to include the area around the Central Japan International Airport. In 2008, Toyota launched the FCHV-adv. In 2015, the brand debuted the FCV Mirai, which offered 300 miles of range per hydrogen fueling. The Mirai is a part of the Fuel Cell EV Family, which also includes Hybrid EV, Plug-in Hybrid EV, and Battery EV.
Toyota has continued to work on residential fuel cell development and put fuel cell buses on the road. The company has also spent millions on developing solid-state batteries and a fleet of all-electric vehicles.
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Hydrogen fuel cell cars could be the end of the Prius
The Prius C is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Toyota. It is a smaller version of the standard Prius, designed for city driving and aimed at younger buyers. The Prius C was ranked by the EPA as the most fuel-efficient compact car of the 2012 model year (excluding plug-in electric vehicles).
However, the Prius C has been discontinued in North America and Australia as of 2019 and 2020, respectively. This could be due to the rise of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which offer several advantages over hybrid electric cars like the Prius C.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars, such as the Toyota Mirai, use hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity, powering the vehicle with zero emissions. They offer a longer range and faster refuelling times compared to electric vehicles (EVs). The experience of driving an HFCV is similar to driving an EV, but with the added benefit of no transmission and regenerative braking.
While hydrogen fuel cell technology has its pros, there are also some cons. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are much rarer than EVs, with only around 17,000 on US roads as of mid-2022, all of which are in California due to the state's network of retail hydrogen fueling stations. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell cars are not as clean or efficient as battery EVs, and developing a reliable and affordable fueling infrastructure is a challenge.
As such, it is clear that hydrogen fuel cell cars could potentially signal the end of the Prius C. With their longer range, faster refuelling, and zero emissions, they offer a compelling alternative to hybrid electric vehicles. However, the lack of infrastructure and the environmental impact of hydrogen production are hurdles that must be overcome for widespread adoption.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Prius C is a full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact/supermini hatchback. It was ranked by the EPA as the 2012 most fuel-efficient compact car when plug-in electric vehicles are excluded.
A fuel cell car is a vehicle that requires hydrogen fuel to run. Toyota's FCV concept is an example of a hydrogen-powered car, where hydrogen and air meet in the Fuel Cell Stack to create electricity.
Yes, the Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that was unveiled in 2014 and is the first FCV to be mass-produced and sold commercially.
Fuel cell cars are more environmentally friendly than traditional gasoline-powered cars, as they emit only water. However, the adoption of fuel cell cars is limited by the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
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