As a pioneer and leader in hybrid technology for over 25 years, we’re committed to supporting the transformation to electrified* mobility.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles*
Leading in hybrid technology
Pioneering hybrid technology
Our hybrid vehicles have helped transform the automotive market in Europe and beyond by progressively reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions. Toyota started developing hybrid technology in the mid-1990s when Takeshi Uchiyamada - widely recognised as the “father of the Prius” - led a dedicated engineering team to create a car for the 21st century that would significantly reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions and other pollutants while driving. Their work resulted in the launch of the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, Prius, in 1997.
Hybrids’ contribution to tailpipe CO2 reduction
We offer a wide range of hybrid models across the Toyota and Lexus brand line-ups. They offer customers accessible vehicles with reduced tailpipe carbon emissions, particularly in regions where charging infrastructure for battery electric vehicles remains limited. European sales of our hybrid models have passed the seven million mark and represent the majority of Toyota’s European sales mix.
Hybrid technology automatically adapts to driving conditions to maximise efficiency. From the outset, we have continually refined the core electrification* technologies - including batteries, electric motors, inverters, regenerative braking, and electronic control software. These shared components strengthen the quality, durability and reliability of all electrified* powertrain variants as we expand our range.
As we are doing every effort to accelerate the wider adoption of zero tailpipe emission vehicles as part of our commitment to supporting EU’s climate ambition, hybrids will remain an important part of our multi-pathway approach alongside battery electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles.
The Toyota Hybrid System
Hybrid technology is accessible and practical, helping customers reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions without having to change how they drive and refuel their car. Since its introduction, we have continuously improved the Toyota Hybrid System (THS). Its latest generation delivers higher efficiency and better drivability while using more compact, lightweight components. We will keep advancing our hybrid technology so it can play an even greater role in our path to lower-carbon mobility.
*An electrified car is one propelled by an electric motor to some extent. Some electrified cars, including Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids, also have a petrol engine. Others are entirely electric
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