4 ms·

Aqua is the nameplate in Japan. Prius-C elsewhere. New battery technology apparently for NiMH and a higher electric-only mode speed (before the ICE kicks in).

• fps_colton 5y ago
  It's true that Toyota does employ NiMH batterys often, but they still offer models with Li-ion (Prius Prime, FWD Prius). The NiMH batteries tend to be found in the cheaper models (Prius C/Aqua) or those intended for colder climates (Prius AWD).
  • fomine3 5y ago
    Interesting news is that some Japanese article said that only most cheap grade uses Li-ion battery meanwhile other grades use this nickel battery. I wonder is it because really superior than Li-ion or just because it's expensive initially. Edit: This article said that the new nickel is 1000Wh/L meanwhile Li-ion on cheaper model is 740Wh/L. It seems that now nickel overcomes Li-ion for Wh per volume. (other Li-ions also seems to <= 800Wh/L) https://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1338990.html https://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1338990.html https://www.eenewspower.com/news/nanograf-hits-800whl-milestone-silicon-battery https://www.eenewspower.com/news/nanograf-hits-800whl-milest...
    • svacko 5y ago
      NiMH batteries are also offered in higher-end models like RAV4 AWDi, etc. Purchasing RAV4 in EU one doesn't even know at the time of purchase what battery type will arrive with the car, what I find kinda strange. Both types of batteries have pros and cons - this YT channel of a Toyota mechanic provides pretty clear explanation of the differences https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS3Lg3qJcnc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS3Lg3qJcnc
    • baybal2 5y ago
      > I wonder is it because really superior than Li-ion or just because it's expensive initially. Pretty much one, and only remarkable trait is that they work well at < 0C°
      • lovemenot 5y ago
        Don't know the chemistry used by Toyota, but NiMH is less likely to feature Cobalt than a LiIon cell. If so, it's a benefit.