Today, hybrid and electric cars are everywhere. That shift began with one car: the Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle.
Quick facts
| Launched | December 1997, Japan |
|---|---|
| Global launch | 2000 |
| Maker | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Technology | Petrol engine plus electric motor (full hybrid) |
| Meaning of name | "To go before" in Latin |
The story
In the early 1990s, Toyota set an ambitious goal for a car of the 21st century that would use far less fuel than conventional cars. The result was the Prius, launched in Japan in December 1997, the same month the Kyoto climate agreement was adopted.
How a hybrid works
- Two power sources: a petrol engine and an electric motor work together or separately.
- Regenerative braking: when slowing down, the motor acts as a generator and recharges the battery.
- Electric at low speeds: in stop-start city traffic, the car can run on electric power alone for short distances, saving fuel.
- No plugging in: the original Prius charged itself, so owners did not need to change their habits.
From curiosity to icon
Early sales were modest, but the larger second-generation Prius, introduced in 2003, became a global hit. Its distinctive wedge shape was designed for aerodynamic efficiency and quickly became a visible statement of environmental awareness, adopted by celebrities, taxi fleets and everyday drivers.
Why it changed the world
- Proved electrification: it showed millions of drivers that electric motors in cars were reliable and practical.
- Battery confidence: Prius batteries proved durable over long use, easing a major fear about electrified cars.
- Industry shift: rivals followed with their own hybrids, and hybrid systems spread across Toyota's range and the wider industry.
Legacy
The Prius paved the way for today's plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. Toyota has sold many millions of hybrid vehicles worldwide since 1997, and the Prius name remains a shorthand for efficient, eco-friendly driving.
Cars That Changed the World: the full series
- Part 1: Ford Model T
- Part 2: Volkswagen Beetle
- Part 3: The Original Mini
- Part 4: Porsche 911
- Part 5: Toyota Corolla
- Part 6: Land Rover and Defender
- Part 7: Ford Mustang
- Part 8: Toyota Prius (you are here)
- Part 9: Tesla Model S
- Part 10: Ferrari F40
Figures such as production numbers, prices and specifications are commonly cited historical values and may vary slightly between sources.
