Hybrid Frequently Asked Questions

Toyota Hybrids are known as ‘hybrid-electric’ vehicles because they use two electric motors and a petrol engine too. Toyota hybrids always use the electric motors to drive the vehicle, whilst the petrol engine supplies power to the electric motors when needed and supports a generator to charge the hybrid battery.

Depending on your driving conditions, you can get zero fuel consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and a near-silent drive for up to 50% of your urban journeys according to Toyota Hybrid Experience figures. Meanwhile, UK government data shows that hybrid cars have consistently lower CO2 figures than comparable conventional cars.​​

Toyota Hybrids feature pioneering, self-charging battery technology. When the battery runs low in a Toyota Hybrid, excess power from the engine charges it back up again. That’s not all. Our hybrids feature regenerative braking, so when you brake or coast, a generator produces electricity to be stored in the battery for later.

If you’re still asking yourself do hybrids have to be charged? Remember that with a Toyota Hybrid there are no cables due to self-charging battery technology. However, the Prius Plug-in and RAV4 Plug-in can be plugged-in to charge the battery and run for an extended range using electricity alone.​​

Not all hybrids are the same. When compared with some other hybrids, the main benefit of a Toyota Hybrid is that they always use the electric motors to drive the vehicle, whilst the petrol engine supplies power to the electric motors when needed and supports a generator to charge the hybrid battery too.

Some hybrid cars only use their electric motors to support the engine during acceleration and cruising – the electric motor cannot power the car on its own. In our self-charging Toyota Hybrids, you can enjoy pure electric power for up to 50% of your city journeys according to Toyota Hybrid Experience figures. At higher speeds or when overtaking on the motorway, the petrol engine and electric motors work together to give you a strong boost of power.​​

The pioneering battery technology in a Toyota Hybrid is engineered to last. All hybrid components, including the hybrid battery, come with Toyota’s 5-year/100,000m* warranty from new.

As part of the Toyota Hybrid Service, your vehicle’s hybrid system and hybrid battery will be checked by Toyota technicians to ensure it is in top condition. Having this carried out annually will mean your Toyota is eligible for a further 1-year/10,000m* of Hybrid Battery Extended Cover, up to a total of 15 years.

*Whichever is soonest.​​

Unlike a pure electric vehicle, a Toyota Hybrid has a self-charging hybrid battery that charges from the engine and when braking or coasting, so there is no need to worry about battery range.

In addition, they have a similar driving range comparable to petrol and diesel cars so when you run low on fuel, you simply refill and continue on your way.

Thanks to the combination of powerful electric motors and a responsive petrol engine, Toyota Hybrid cars are fun to drive. The electric motor delivers an instant hit of torque (or pulling power) when you accelerate at low speeds, while at higher speeds or when overtaking on the motorway, it works in tandem with the petrol engine for a satisfying boost of power.

Coupled with a design that gives you a more rigid body, Toyota Hybrids give you added cornering stability and handling for your driving enjoyment.​​

Thanks to the combination of the electric motors and an efficient petrol engine, Toyota Hybrids more than hold their own on the motorway. The two power sources work together to give your car a boost whether at higher speed or when performing an overtake and is efficient, quiet and comfortable when cruising.

And Toyota doesn’t stop there. We constantly review and improve existing engines while also ensuring newer engines are rolled out so that Toyota Hybrids are tuned for even more effortless motorway cruising.​​

Toyota Hybrids can save you money by using less fuel through the use of the electric motors. For example, figures from Toyota Hybrid Experience show that up to half of urban journeys were on electric power alone.

Not only can you save fuel, Toyota Hybrids are also more affordable to service than you may think. With parts like brake pads wearing less, as well as convenient service plans, service costs are no more expensive than a conventional car.

In addition, a range of competitive finance and leasing offers means we can find the right payment option to suit your needs.

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Toyota pioneered hybrid technology with the Prius in 1997. Today, as the hybrid leader with over 15 million hybrid drivers around the world, we offer a range of distinctive models to suit every lifestyle, from hybrid SUVs to hybrid city cars.

Whether it’s the appeal of the dynamic C-HR Hybrid crossover or a stylish Yaris Hybrid city car, an all-wheel-drive RAV4 Hybrid or a spacious Corolla Hybrid Touring Sports, we’re confident Toyota has the best hybrid car for you.

Still have questions about hybrids? Discover the answers to other popular hybrid questions below or find the best hybrid for you in our range.

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