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Toyota's Prius Achieves Both Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Criteria of Clean Car Standard

Toyota's recently released hybrid-electric Prius was the first broadly marketed car in North America that meet the Clean Car Standard for both fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions. The Prius also appears to meet many aspects of the Campaign's Standard for clean manufacturing and use of recyclable nontoxic materials.

Impressive Fuel Economy

The U.S.-version of the Prius will achieve impressive fuel economy--approximately 50% higher than comparable vehicles in its compact class. Since the innovative hybrid-electric drive can regenerate energy normally lost during braking and operate in pure electric mode during low-speed driving, the Prius achieves a remarkable 52 mpg city and 45 mpg highway according to EPA tests. Overall combined fuel economy (48 mpg) is more than 50% more fuel efficient than the comparable Toyota Corolla.

Exceptionally Low-Emissions

The Prius also employs state-of-the-art emission control technologies that allow it to meet California's stringent SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) standard. California's SULEV standard is the most stringent emissions standard a gasoline-powered vehicle can achieve. When compared to existing national Tier 1 standards, the Prius design reduces both hydrocarbon and nitrous oxide emissions by 97%, carbon monoxide emissions by 76%, and particulate emissions by 90%.

These emission reductions will be fully realized when relatively clean, low-sulfur gasoline is used. At this time, however, low-sulfur gasoline is only required in California, and will not be required nationally until 2004. Nevertheless, substantial emission benefits are expected from SULEV technology even when used with regular gasoline.

Clean Manufacturing and Materials

Toyota has been working with the Campaign to provide information on the production-related environmental impacts from manufacturing the Prius. Based on these preliminary discussions, the Prius appears to meet many aspects of the Campaign's Clean Car Standard for clean manufacturing processes and use of nontoxic recyclable materials. The Campaign will continue to seek public information from Toyota on the Prius' manufacturing environmental impacts.