Policy / Systems / Technology

October 28, 2011

 

Toyota to Introduce Power-Supply System to Its Hybrid Vehicles

Keywords: Environmental Technology Manufacturing industry Transportation / Mobility 

Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. announced on July 19, 2011, the introduction of a power-supply system to its hybrid vehicles (HV) to use in times of disaster, an idea gained from experience in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Expansion of the system is another effort in the company's project to support disaster-hit areas.

The company's decision was the result of feedback from its Estima HV users that the vehicle's power-supply system was helpful during extended blackouts after the earthquake. The company will introduce the system as an option on its leading Prius HV model within a year and later expand it to other HVs as well.

The system is capable of supplying power at a maximum output of 1,500 watts, which enables use of most household appliances such as televisions, personal computers, rice cookers, and hair driers. Moreover, several appliances can be used at the same time if they fall within the total limit of 1,500 watts. The engine automatically starts generating power to recharge the battery, so it can be used continuously at maximum output for about 2 days with a full tank of gas.

The company will offer the system for free to Tohoku prefectures for emergency use. After arranging with each prefecture in August, it will begin retrofitting the system on around 40 units of prefecture-owned vehicles (current-generation Prius).

Posted: 2011/10/28 06:00:15 AM

Japanese  

Reference

Toyota Motor Corp. Global website
http://www.toyota-global.com/


 

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