The Toyota Prius the world’s best-selling hybrid car has finally arrived in Bermuda.The brand new Prius c, a 1.5 litre, 5-door hatchback, is the first hybrid car to go on general sale in Bermuda and according to Bermuda Motors, the Island’s Toyota dealership, the energy efficient Prius offers drivers significant savings on gas as well as dramatically cutting environmentally-harmful emissions.Michael Butler, General Manager of Bermuda Motors, explained: “We have wanted to bring in a Prius for a long time but previous models have either been too big or two expensive. Now Toyota have put the technology into an economy car that’s perfect for Bermuda, especially as consumers are becoming more concerned about energy efficiency.” He added that Bermuda’s low speed limits and relatively short distances mean local drivers will be able to get maximum benefits from the car’s energy efficiency features.But what exactly is a hybrid car and how does it work?Toyota’s innovative Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, which was first developed in 1998, combines a lighter, more efficient gas-fueled 72hp internal combustion engine with a clean, quiet, battery-powered electric motor.The car runs on electric power at slower speeds and when starting off (perfect for not disturbing the neighbours if you’re heading the work extra early!). The nickel-metal hydride battery, located under the rear seats and which powers the 59hp electric motor, never needs to be plugged in as the Prius is self-charging through regular gas-powered driving and regenerates power whenever the brakes are applied.An inverter changes the battery’s DC power into AC power for use by the electric motor, and switches the generator’s AC power into DC power to recharge the battery pack. It regulates the power from regenerative braking and extends battery life by always maintaining the proper charge.A clever electronic control system constantly communicates with the car’s various components to make sure the Prius always operates in the most energy-efficient mode. The engine even shuts off when the car comes to a stop at a junction or traffic lights, for example, but accelerates quickly like any other car. Engine efficiency is also enhanced by an exhaust gas recirculation system and an electric power pump.Toyota claims that with 53 miles per gallon based on urban driving, the Prius c (the ‘c’ stands for ‘city’) is the “highest-rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug.” The US Department of Energy says Prius engines reduce tailpipe emissions by 90 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by about 50 percent and the Prius complies with Euro V environmental regulations.Drivers can track the car’s eco-efficiency via a digital display panel on the dashboard, and can toggle through the information using thumb pads on the steering wheel, as well as easily controlling the radio/CD player and air conditioning.Toyota has sold more than two million Prius cars worldwide and its technology has won numerous environmental awards, including the United Nations Environmental Protection Award, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Global Climate Protection Award, the Sierra Club’s Excellence in Environmental Engineering Award, and a Clean Car Salute from the Clean Car Coalition, representing state, regional and national environmental organisations in the US.At $39,500, the Prius c is among the higher-priced Class E vehicles on the road but Bermuda Motors says its impressive fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs due to less wear and tear on the engine will translate into significant long-term savings for owners.For more details, call Bermuda Motors on 292-0893 or visit: www.bermudamotors.bm/cars/toyota/Priusc/Submitted by Bermuda Motors