Kamui Kobayashi of Japan (left), driving the Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Toyota GR010 Hybrid, crossing the finish line to win the Le Mans 2021 in France on Aug 22. His compatriot Kazuki Nakajima follows in second place, also driving the Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Toyota GR010 Hybrid for a 1-2 finish. – AP Photo
TOYOTA hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that consume less fuel have been delivering comfortable, fun and powerful motoring experiences for 24 years – starting with the first hybrid Prius in 1997.
Now in its fourth generation, Toyota’s latest HEVs are even more exciting to drive – with higher levels of performance, responsiveness, acceleration and handling, as well as enhanced levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
UMW Toyota Motor will bring Malaysian motoring into a new era with HEVs that are more powerful, efficient and reliable than ever before.
The advantages of HEVs compared with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) include not having to install or pay for new electric charging infrastructure or modules, and driving without range anxiety (running out of power before reaching your destination).
One doesn’t need to look too far to see the benefits that Toyota HEVs deliver; in Thailand the hybrid 1.8-litre models of the Toyota Corolla Cross and C-HR sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are enjoying tremendous success.
With Toyota hybrids, Malaysian motorists have plenty to be excited about as the HEVs’ dual-power system (which combine a petrol engine with two electric motors) delivers fuel savings, greater controllability and instant torque.
The system automatically shuts down the petrol engine to avoid fuel wastage when idling.
The HEV battery powers the electric motor and is automatically recharged when the driver brakes (regenerative braking), lifts his foot off the acceleration pedal, or when the petrol engine is running.
The system does not require drivers to plug in to recharge the batteries.
The fourth-generation Toyota hybrid electric system battery is designed to last throughout the vehicle’s life, and developed to satisfy five critical parameters for complete peace of mind – safety, long life service, high quality, affordability, and high level performance.
Toyota HEVs can be stealthy too – for instance, when drivers select the EV (electric vehicle) mode which only allows the vehicle to run only using its electric motor.
Toyota is one of earliest pioneers of HEVs, and leads in hybrid electric technology with more than 18 million vehicles sold to-date – with 45 HEV models currently available, and an incredible four consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours victory under Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Toyota’s hybrid electric system has endured extreme conditions since the automaker returned to the prestigious and most gruelling race in the world – the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012 – and went on to become the first ever hybrid Toyota to lead the race on its debut.
Its TS050 Hybrid Le Mans Hypercar won Le Mans in 2018, 2019 and 2020, as well as holds the distinction of being the fastest ever car around Le Mans’ 13.626km Circuit de la Sarthe with a time of 3 minutes 14.791 seconds at an average speed of 251.9km/h recorded in 2017.
This year, Toyota not only returned to win Le Mans for a fourth consecutive time, but stamped its authority with the newly-introduced GR010 Hybrid Le Mans Hypercar that dominated the race with a 1-2 finish.
“We have the right technology, the right products in support of the existing infrastructure and energy policies. We are in an ideal position to contribute to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a hub for advanced technologies and to reduce its carbon footprint,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.
UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said HEVs are the most accessible choice for Malaysian motorists in terms of practicality and infrastructure.
“The HEV is a realistic bridge towards vehicle electrification while efforts are still being undertaken to help realise enablers for BEV – such as cost reduction, energy mix improvement and infrastructure development.
“Toyota HEVs are at their most advanced today, and the most realistic, immediate, economical and practical solution for mass market production and sale in terms of reduced CO2 emission, practical usage, and price acceptance,” he said.
