Massey University takes delivery of the future for motoring

Massey University takes delivery of the future for motoring

Toyota New Zealand CEO, Alistair Davishas handed over one of two trial plug-in Hybrid Prius vehicles to Massey University Vice Chancellor, Steve Maharey.

New Zealand is one of a select group of countries chosen to participate in a three-year global field trial of Toyota's Plug-in Hybrid Prius, with Massey University as the chosen trial partner.

Speaking from Massey University's Manawatu campus, Alistair Davis said the university was chosen due to the close partnership between the two organisations.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey says the university takes its responsibility for leadership on environmental issues extremely seriously.

We do this in several ways: One is to promote our scientific and technological expertise publicly and to make our experts and their work available to public policy makers. Another is to significantly reduce the University's carbon footprint by increasing sustainable practices and behaviour. We are progressively upgrading our vehicle fleet with safety, fuel efficiency and lower emissions foremost in our strategy.

The Plug-in Hybrid Prius can travel as an electric only vehicle for up to 30 kilometres, achieving highway speeds up to 100 kilometres per hour.

For longer distances, the vehicle functions as a conventional petrol-electric hybrid, which means its use is not constrained by remaining battery power or the lack of a battery-charging infrastructure.

Unlike the standard hybrid Prius, these vehicles feature lithium-ion batteries and achieve official fuel consumption of 2.6 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of just 59 grams/km.*

Toyota is committed to reducing fuel consumption by improving the efficiency of powertrains and making hybrid technology more popular across its range in its bid to promote greater sustainability in motoring.

Toyota believes the Plug-in Hybrid provides the most realistic pathway towards the ultimate eco car as pure electric vehicles continue to have a limited range.

The Plug-in Hybrid model can continue to operate even after the 'electric only' range is exceeded meaning drivers don't have to worry about being stranded with a flat battery.

*ADR combined

Vehicle specifications

Engine1.8-litre, four-cylinder

TransmissionElectric Automatic CVT

PowertrainFront-wheel drive

Length4460mm

Width1745mm

Height1490mm

Wheelbase2700mm

Track (f, r)1525mm, 1520mm

Weight1500-1505kg

Seating capacity5

Min. turning radius5.2m

Tyres195/65 R15 91H

Cruising range (EV)up to 30km

Fuel Tank Capacity45 litres

Luggage Capacity403 litres

* When using electric power from external charging & subject to driving & environmental conditions.

Hybrid System Specifications

SystemPlug-in hybrid system (motor speed reduction device)

Engine1.8-litre petrol 2ZR-FXE (high expansion ratio)

Maximum power73kW/5200rpm

Maximum torque142Nm/4000rpm

Motor3JM (permanent magnet)

Maximum power60kW

Maximum torque207Nm

Drive BatteryLithium-ion

Capacity5.2kWh

Rated voltage345.6V

Charging timewithin 2 hours (AC240V) for full charge

System maximum power100kW

System voltageMax. 650V

EV mode max. speed100kmh approx.