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Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Trucking World Endorses Toyota’s Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cells as a Step Toward a Cleaner Planet

 


  • The recently completed ‘Shore to Store’ ZANZEFF project at the Port of Los Angeles showed hydrogen-powered trucks performing well in a punishing environment
  • Trucking customers and drivers appear ready for Toyota’s fuel-cell modules, to start in 2023 in Georgetown, Kentucky

Toyota’s recently completed pilot project at the Port of Los Angeles provides a playbook for the coming revolution in zero-emissions transportation. Just listen to the truckers.

Some previous attempts to demonstrate clean technologies in heavy-duty trucking have come up short. There have been trucks designed by people with no experience in trucking. There were vehicles that looked good on paper but couldn’t perform in the real world. There were rigs that performed well but could only get through a single shift or a fraction of their typical workday.

None of that was true in a project in San Pedro, California, at the largest ocean freight facility in North America. There, 10 fuel cell electric T680 trucks jointly designed by Toyota and Kenworth were deployed as part of the Zero and Near Zero Emissions Freight Facility (ZANZEFF) Shore to Store (S2S) project, where they demonstrated a future where emissions could be significantly reduced or even eliminated in the punishing world of heavy-duty trucking and the movement of port freight.

“Hydrogen is a way to achieve zero emissions with very few compromises,” said Andy McGarvey, senior manager for Toyota Logistics Services, and one of the real-world customers who used the fuel-cell big rigs. “This project really showed that hydrogen is going to be part of the solution.”

One of the biggest challenges to successfully replacing current trucks on the road with zero-emission vehicles is the list of specifications that truckers need, requirements that diesel powertrains provide very well. Working Class 8 trucks need to be powerful, capable of pulling fully loaded trailers up to a gross combined vehicle weight of 82,000 lbs. They need range – 300 to 600 miles is typical. And they need to be able to refuel quickly, in a matter of minutes rather than hours, to keep the vehicles on the road and make them profitable.

Looking to the future, McGarvey said that there are really only two zero-emissions powertrain options for truck manufacturers to choose from: battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cells.

Batteries are based on a technology that we all know. They’re used in everyday electronics, such as our cell phones, computers, radio-controlled toy cars, and other mobile devices. When used on the scale needed to produce power for a truck, they are heavy. That added weight is a big deal in the trucking and transport industries, where every pound occupied by a battery is one less pound available for cargo. That’s a huge concern for truckers as the amount of freight is what provides income, and trucks often butt up against federal weight limits as they seek to maximize profits.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells and their required fuel tanks, though still heavier today than conventional diesel platforms, are lighter than trucks based on current battery technology. Plus, they offer an experience much closer to the diesel vehicles truck drivers are used to. For example, they have a longer driving range. The trucks in the L.A. port project had stated ranges of 300 miles, enough to cover a trucker’s typical 240-mile daily drive during drayage operations, McGarvey said. Newer versions of fuel-cell electric trucks are anticipated to get closer to 400 miles. With bigger fuel tanks, they could go even farther.

There’s no doubt that hydrogen will play a key role in trucking in the future, said Joe Adams, chief engineer at Kenworth. It’s being pushed by climate change, the need to reduce truck pollution, government regulations and trucking company pledges to get greener, he said. Many of Kenworth’s customers have net zero-emissions goals for the next 10-15 years. The company projects its zero-emission truck production will ramp up from fewer than a thousand trucks now to more than 70,000 in 2030 and over 180,000 in 2040.

“This important advancement is driven by climate change, government regulations and the trucking industry’s concerted effort to reduce truck emissions,” Adams said. “Many Kenworth fleet customers have already established challenging net zero-emissions goals to achieve over the next 10 to 15 years. The ZANZEFF program successfully demonstrated that hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks provide an excellent long-range transportation solution with operations similar to diesel. Kenworth has decades of experience building high quality trucks, and Toyota has decades of experience developing fuel cell technology. Our collective efforts on this program set a high bar for the commercial vehicle industry and lay a foundation for future hydrogen truck development.”

One of the most important and stark differences in using hydrogen over battery electric in heavy-duty transport is the ability to fill the vehicles more quickly to keep them operating, with the possibility of multiple shifts in one day. The hydrogen filling stations designed by Shell used in the demonstration project in San Pedro were very much like a diesel station; in fact, the hydrogen lanes were right next to diesel lanes. Drivers in the project almost universally commented about how similar the process felt to the conventional process; they just had to pull up to the right pump.

Refueling the hydrogen fuel tanks usually takes about 25 minutes, an amount of time close to the 15 to 20 minutes truckers spend at a truck stop today before getting back on the road. With battery electric vehicles, even with advanced superchargers, it may take hours to recharge, though that time might be further reduced in the future as battery technology advances.

Currently, the drayage trucks that move shipping containers are the single biggest source of greenhouse gases in the container facilities in San Pedro and Long Beach, said Jacob Goldberg, an air quality specialist at the Port of Los Angeles. That’s more emissions than the ocean vessels, boats in the harbor, cargo-moving equipment (like cranes) or locomotives. Heavy-duty trucks emitted close to 400,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide at the port in 2020. In their short service time as part of the S2S demonstration project, the 10 FCEV trucks reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 500 metric tons. If applied broadly to the 13,000 trucks that work the port every day, that could remove a large chunk of the port’s emissions.

“We engaged with the trucking world and got really valuable on-the-ground experience with how trucks are developed and how they’re tested,” Goldberg said. “There is the potential for hydrogen to be an economic game-changer in moving goods.”

One of the keys to success in Los Angeles came from processing the feedback from the trucking community, said Craig Scott, general manager and director of fuel cell solutions at Toyota Motor North America. This approach was modeled on lessons learned years ago in developing the Prius, he said.

“What Toyota found time and again with hybrid cars is that without customer awareness or understanding, it’s a big hurdle [toward mass adoption],” Scott said. “It’s the same thing for trucks.”

Some truck drivers like their diesel trucks, said Danny Gamboa, one of Toyota’s first fuel-cell truck drivers who trains drivers at the port. Other drivers like the way diesel trucks drive and feel – they’ve been driving that way for years. But even the old-timers are quick converts to hydrogen power, he said.

One of the first things Gamboa noticed is at the end of a trucking shift, he wasn’t physically worn out from all of the shifting, and he didn’t smell like diesel fuel. Another big difference is torque. Fuel-cell drivers get all the truck’s torque all the time. It’s like driving a go-kart, only bigger – as soon as you step on the pedal, you go, Gamboa said. That makes the trucks easier to drive in and out of traffic, and easier to maneuver into tight spots like alleys or loading docks.

“As soon as they get in, they change their minds,” Gamboa said.

In an environment like the port, where some drivers are paid by the load, getting in line quickly can mean more loads in a day and higher pay. Faster trucks have an advantage.

“It’s very competitive,” Gamboa said. “You have to be on your A Game. Drivers are jockeying in and out of position. Having a faster vehicle is a game-changer.”

With the demonstrations done, Toyota is gearing up for commercialization of the powertrain, with its next step to begin assembling heavy-duty fuel cell modules at next year at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown. It may have taken years to get to this point, but it may not be much longer before the fuel-cell business really takes off, said Andrew Lund, TMNA’s chief engineer, zero emissions advanced product planning.

“The inflection point is close,” Lund said. “The exact year is hard to predict. It might happen in the next year or two. It might be 2027 or 2028. Whenever it happens, we’ll be prepared.”

Fuel cell electric technology is fun to work on, and it’s gratifying to develop products that meet market needs, but the bottom line is really about helping to make a better planet. That meshes well with the Toyota Way, a philosophy and mindset that is about challenge and respect for people, Lund said. One key part of the project in San Pedro is the potential impact it could have in helping Southern California communities with cleaner air. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks, when adopted on a broader scale, have an incredible potential to make a huge contribution in the fight against carbon.

“Certainly, we believe this is a viable production business that helps society,” Lund said. “It aligns perfectly with Toyota values.”

For Gamboa, the ZANZEFF project was personal. Growing up in Long Beach, Gamboa could see the giant cranes for moving freight from his block. His father and uncle worked there as drivers, and he thought it was a great thing to be so close to the port. Like many of the kids in his neighborhood, Gamboa’s first jobs were there, loading and unloading cargo, working forklifts and eventually driving a truck. It was only later that Gamboa began to think about the pollution and make the connection to his health.

“I had asthma as a kid,” Gamboa says. “My three kids all have asthma. My family had no history of asthma until we moved to Long Beach. My work at Toyota isn’t about selling cars. It’s about cleaning up the air, cleaning up the region. When we’re done here, the frontline community will no longer have to deal with this burden.”

– Story by Jeff Plungis

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Perfect Harmony: How Toyota’s Collaboration With JBL Creates an Unforgettable Sonic Experience



Driving is an experience that encompasses all the senses. From a firm grip on the steering wheel to that new-car smell, a driver’s senses are awakened when they get behind the wheel of a Toyota vehicle.

And thanks to the company’s ongoing collaboration with JBL® — a leader in the audio technology space — it’s the powerful sense of sound that stands out in a Toyota. The available JBL premium sound system amplifies music, creating an immersive experience that drivers, passengers and audiophiles alike can appreciate.

“When you have a really great audio system, you’re able to sort of forget your daily stresses, tune out the different commotion going on and just experience this sanctuary-like space inside the vehicle,” says Rishi Daftuar, global acoustics lead at Harman International.

In fact, Toyota guests have enjoyed hearing their favorite tunes and playlists with this system since when it first became available on Toyota vehicles. Now with technological advances at play, the sound is bolder, crisper and more vibrant than ever.

“In 1998, we launched on the Camry in the U.S. market,” says Kyle Roche, senior global marketing manager at Harman International. “And since then, we’ve just been growing our relationship, both here and globally, to today where we’re available on almost every Toyota vehicle.”

Beat of Its Own Drum 

Fine-tuned to complement Toyota vehicles, the available JBL® system meticulously blends sounds together to create a tailored experience.

“So, what we’re always trying to do is take the core pillars of the JBL® sound and bring it to the consumers inside the car cabin experience,” says Daftkuar.

Daftkuar adds, “In order to determine what is the appropriate sound system for a Toyota vehicle, we first start with the first principles and understanding with the target for the vehicle. If it’s a smaller vehicle, of course, we can use a lower number of speakers. If it’s a larger vehicle, we certainly need a larger number of speakers. On top of that though, it’s important to also understand what type of features and sonic experience is desired for this specific vehicle.”

Hundreds of hours are spent developing and precisely fine-tuning the speakers to achieve the ultimate sound for drivers as they move around. The result is a dynamic, stimulating sonic experience that fills the cabin and enhances the journey.

For instance, the 2023 Toyota Crown offers the Toyota JBL system’s 800 watts, 11 speakers, 8-channel DSP amplifier and Clari-Fi® music restoration technology. Together, those robust audio components can transform the interior into a driver’s personal concert hall that rivals a booming music venue.

JBL® focuses on four sound quality attributes:

  • Spectral
  • Spatial
  • Dynamics
  • Vehicle Integrity

“The four sound quality attributes we focus on in JBL® are spectral — which is the balance of the bass, the mid-range, and the treble,” says Jonathan Pierce, director of global experiential R&D at Harman International. “Spatial is a very unique one. I think [what] most people don’t think about is more where you see the instruments in your favorite music. Dynamics is something that’s very, very special for JBL® and it’s part of our heritage here. Dynamics refers to not only the ability for the system to play loud and clean, but also to reproduce the quietest sounds as well. And then Vehicle Integrity is something that we work with Toyota very closely on. This is the actual structural build of the car itself where the speakers are placed, how they are fastened into the vehicle, the grills that go on top of those speakers as well and of course the wiring harnesses around those speakers.”

Pump Up the Volume 

Innovation drives perfection. The JBL® Clari-Fi technology analyzes and restores digital audio files to high fidelity in real time, revealing the vivid vocals and musical instrumentation details that are often compromised with digitally compressed music. This new advancement allows drivers to listen to the lyrics of their beloved songs with more intensity and clarity.

No matter where they’re seated, every passenger can enjoy a unique sound experience.

Pierce adds, “The vehicle integrity is something that we work with Toyota very closely on. This is the actual structural build of the car itself, where the speakers are placed, how they are fastened into the vehicle, the grills that go on top of those speakers as well, and of course, the wiring harnesses around those speakers.”

Strike a Chord

From the warmth and clarity of the midrange speakers to the powerful bass of the subwoofer, the JBL® system provides an incredible listening experience that complements the overall aesthetic and mission of Toyota.

 


Tuesday, November 22, 2022

A Nod to the Near Future: Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept Revealed in U.S.

 


  • Toyota BEV Concept Shows Off Clean-Vital Design Approach Coupled with Eco-Conscious Interior Materials
  • Ultramodern Design Enhanced with In-Car Personal Agent
  • Concept Represents Toyota’s Commitment Towards a Future that Goes Beyond Zero

The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept touched down in Los Angeles, making its world premiere to kick off the exciting opening of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center. Already a leader in electrification, the company gave a glimpse of what the future could be with the Toyota bZ Compact SUV, extending the vision under the “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella.

“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager David Christ. “With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the bZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery electric vehicles.”

The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept is designed as a full battery-electric vehicle, using a clean-vital design approach. This approach aims to express what’s special about battery electric vehicles while also offering fun to drive, exhilarating performance. It represents a vehicle with zero emissions, utilizing eco-conscious interior materials, that also brings dynamic performance, leading technology and a stylish appearance.

The aerodynamic form of the concept enhances its futuristic look by pushing the wheels to the corners to achieve an aggressive stance – making it appear as if it’s moving even when standing still.  The short overhangs and sweepback angles make it stand out as an advanced technology vehicle; a narrowed-down cabin design gives it an agile appearance for a low coefficient of drag.

The edgy styling extends to the interior with premium finishes resulting in a distinctive look. Notably, the design team included several eco-friendly touches, like seating made from plant-based and recycled materials to follow the Beyond Zero theme. And an in-car personal agent named ”Yui” connects the driver and passengers with the vehicle. With the use of audio and visual lighting cues that move around the cabin, it responds to requests or commands from front or rear passengers.

The Beyond Zero message encourages diligently adapting how we live our lives in the present to ensure a better future for all. Toyota envisions a future in which carbon neutrality is achieved through the practical marketization of a portfolio of products with advanced, alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technologies. Globally, Toyota plans to expand to around 30 dedicated BEVs, including five carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. This diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Hybrid Reborn: 2023 Toyota Prius Revealed

 


  • All-New Sporty Exterior Styling with Flowing, One-Motion Silhouette
  • Most fuel-efficient Prius ever with up to Manufacturer-Estimated 57 Combined MPG
  • Fifth Gen Hybrid Powertrain with up to 196 horsepower
  • Legacy Name to Carry on Toyota’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality

Twenty-two years ago, a high-tech sedan rolled into U.S. Toyota dealerships and forever changed the automotive industry. The 2001 Prius, Latin for “To Go Before” became the world’s first production hybrid car and ushered in a new generation of vehicles that combined an electric motor with a high efficiency engine to squeeze more miles out of every gallon. Now, over two decades later, this legendary nameplate is ready to yet again show it is at the forefront – with the reveal of the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime at a kickoff event the eve of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center.

“As a company, we set our sights on developing a new Prius for the future, and our design and engineering teams really delivered,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ. “The weight of the Prius name is heavy – it carries with it the identity of an entire category of vehicle powertrain. We’re confident the all-new 2023 Prius and Prius Prime will continue this important legacy.”

Since the original Prius launched, the automaker envisioned a world where hybrid-powered fuel efficiency was not the alternative, but rather the norm. Now, with over 5 million units sold in North America, and over 20 million globally, Toyota hybrids are not only a common sight, but they have made a difference, too, preventing over 82 million tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. With the addition of the most fuel-efficient Prius to date, achieving a manufacturer estimated 57 MPG combined fuel economy rating on the LE FWD model, this Toyota hybrid brings accessible electrification to drivers everywhere.

As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to carbon neutrality, the Prius hybrid is part of lineup that looks to move “beyond zero.” With ten hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, the new bZ4X battery electric vehicle and zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology Mirai, Toyota is committed to finding highly efficient and zero emission solutions that fit customers lifestyles across the US. As a symbol of that commitment, the 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to wear a new “Beyond Zero” badge, a global effort to achieve carbon neutrality in our products, manufacturing and beyond.

The price and on-sale date of the exciting, all-new 2023 Prius will be announced later this year.

Sporty Yet Comfortable

For this latest Prius, the goal was to create a vehicle that not only met the practical needs of today’s customers, but also had emotional appeal. Available in LE, XLE and Limited grades, the 2023 Prius is built on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, offering a low center of gravity with reduced weight and increased rigidity compared to the previous generation. The result? A wider stance and a lower driving position that feels nimble, yet comfortable.

Designed in Japan, the all-new Prius offers a style that is modern, progressive and understated from the inside out. With its piercing silhouette that evokes a level of aerodynamic flair, the new Prius lowers the roofline 2-inches from the prior generation, for a more athletic look. Moving to the rear of the vehicle it is nearly 1-inch wider, adding a dynamic look to its modern style.

The larger wheels available on XLE and Limited also catch the eye – resulting in a sporty look that also offers drivers added performance and handling. Additionally, the hip point is about one inch lower than the previous generation Prius, while the battery placement is optimized for a low center of gravity and enhanced luggage capacity.

Purpose-Built Performance

When it comes to performance, Prius is purpose-built. The new hybrid system enhances both the fuel economy and driving performance with increases to both engine and battery output. The acceleration feel and vehicle handling have also been enhanced, providing a driving feel and accelerator response unique to electrified vehicles.

Under the hood is the 5th generation hybrid powertrain coupled with a larger 2.0L engine and a newly developed lithium-ion battery, located underneath the rear seat. On AWD models, an Electronic On-Demand AWD system has been adopted which uses a motor to drive the rear wheels, enabling stable driving performance when starting off and when driving on slippery road surfaces such as snow. The newly developed lithium-ion battery pack offers a 15% increase in output compared to the previous generation Nickel Metal battery – reducing the size and the weight.

The result is an engaging acceleration experience with 194 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds for the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models. This is a 26% improvement compared to the outgoing FWD model of 9.8 seconds.

For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models, Prius offers 196 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds. A high-output IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor has been adopted for the rear motor on AWD models, allowing for a compact design that enhances the low traction road climbing performance and the stability when turning.

Prius offers three drive modes – NORMAL, ECO and SPORT mode. In ECO mode, the drive force increase in response to accelerator operation is suppressed slightly to enable finer accelerator control and enhance the fuel economy. In POWER mode or SPORT mode, the drive force in the low-/mid-accelerator opening is increased to enhance throttle responsiveness.

Making the Grade

The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius offers an array of standard and available features no matter the grade. Whether choosing the LE, XLE or the Limited grade – in Wind Chill Pearl, Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Black, Supersonic Red or Reservoir Blue – Prius drivers will be ready to look to the road ahead.

LE grade

  • Standard Features
    • 17-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers
    • 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    • 6 USB-c ports
    • Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
    • SofTex leather steering wheel
    • Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Optional features
    • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

XLE Grade

  • LE Standard Features+
    • 19-inch alloy wheels
    • 8-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    • Digital Rear-View Mirror & Home Link
    • Two additional cup holders for rear seat passengers
    • Driver and front passenger heated seats
    • 8-way power driver’s seat
    • SofTex seats
    • Rain sensing wipers
    • Smart Key
    • Qi wireless charger
    • Direct light illumination
    • Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
  • Optional Features
    • 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    • Fixed glass roof
    • Digital Key

Limited Grade

  • XLE Standard Features+
    • 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen
    • JBL® Premium Audio System with 8 speakers
    • Fixed glass roof
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Driver and front passenger heated and ventilated Seats
    • 8-way power driver’s seat with driver memory
    • Digital Key
    • Power back door
  • Optional Features
    • Advanced Park
    • Digital Rearview Mirror
    • Heated rear seats
    • Panoramic View Monitor

Technology

The all-new 2023 Toyota Prius is equipped with the tools to make life more convenient – thanks to the available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. Prius drivers will also have the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the Prius has an available Wi-Fi Connect 1-month trial that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Prius into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing customers the ability to link their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.

For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the Prius offers a JBL® Premium Audio system with eight speakers, creating a mobile concert from any music genre. Standard on the Limited grade only, with the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats enhancing the audio experience.

Each Prius offers a host of additional available Connected Services. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance with up to a 10-year trial. Service Connect gives drivers the ability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders, also with up to a 10-year trial.

With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Prius with a 1-year trial of Remote Connect service, available on LE grade and standard on XLE and Limited. Users can activate headlights, lock/unlock the doors and remotely start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive reminder notifications and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital key is also available with Remote Connect for the XLE and Limited Grades – making it easy to lock and unlock doors, remote start and more all from a smart phone.

Ready to handle all your device charging needs, the Prius is equipped with six USB ports in the cabin. Up front, two Type-C USB ports at the bottom of the center stack plus two more Type-C USB ports in the center console. For second-row passengers, two Type-C USB ports are located at the bottom rear of the center console.

Convenience features are aplenty for Prius, too. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on all grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available on Limited and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. Advanced Park is available on Limited, a hands-free system designed to assist you with parallel parking or backing into a parking space.

Safety

For 2023, Prius will come standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0. This suite of active safety systems includes the existing feature set available on the prior generation Prius but includes some additional enhancements and capabilities. This suite of safety features includes:

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Lane Tracing Assist
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Proactive Driving Assist

Proactive Driving Assist is new to Prius and the Toyota Safety Sense package. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.

The Toyota Safety Sense feature from the prior generation Prius has been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

  • The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. It also adds the capability to detect motorcyclists, in addition to bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist has enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
  • Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced for Lane Tracing Assist. This system now also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.
  • An Emergency Driving Stop System has been added to Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
  • Road Sign Assist gets expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.
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