Designing the car

Each design detail on our vehicles is analysed to ensure the lowest possible environmental impact throughout its life cycle.

This meticulous approach has led to an array of innovative features on our cars that contribute to environmental efficiency.

For example, 90% of the full hybrid drive components on the new Prius have been redesigned to create a 20% lighter, more compact system.

What role does design play in the environmental performance of a car?

To achieve lower emissions and greener vehicles on the way towards the ultimate eco-car, it is essential to measure and plan progress.

Toyota has developed the Toyota Ecological Vehicle Assessment System, or Eco-VAS. Environmental impact reduction targets are set in the planning and development stages via a Life Cycle Assessment.

This tool quantitatively measures the impact that our vehicles have on the environment from production, through use, to disposal. These learnings are then applied at the earliest stage of development.

This meticulous approach has led to an array of innovative features on our cars that contribute to environmental efficiency:
This illustration provides an overview of some of the environmentally friendly materials like TSOP, ecological plastic and recycled materials used in the construction of new Prius.

New lightweight design

90% of the Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain has been redesigned to create a 20% lighter and more compact system. The result: Prius is now 37% more fuel efficient than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle.

Ecological plastics, such as carbon-neutral bio-plastics

Emitting 20% less CO2 during a product’s life cycle, Toyota bio-plastics are the world’s first injection-moulded materials to be derived from plants. This material is used in the dashboard of Prius.

Recycled materials

Up to 5.7 kilograms of recycled plastic materials including sound proofing products are used in Prius. Our own Toyota Super Olefin Polymer is used in the bumpers and offers greater recyclability than any conventional reinforced composite polypropylene.

Spotlight on iQ

Intelligent design which improves everyday life and lower fuel efficiency is at the heart of the new Toyota iQ. Less then three metres in length, it is the world’s smallest four-seater. Packed with design innovations, such as its flat under-floor fuel tank and asymmetric dashboard, iQ is a serious driving machine with CO2 emissions starting as low as 99 grams per kilometre.