Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Next Generation of Prius Hybrid will get 50+ MPG

The 2004 Toyota Prius, the second generation of the automaker's gas-electric hybrid, made its worldwide debut on April 16 at the 2003 New York Auto Show.

April 18, 2003
1 min to read


The 2004 Toyota Prius, the second generation of the automaker's gas-electric hybrid, made its worldwide debut on April 16 at the 2003 New York Auto Show. The all-new model will feature the new Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which Toyota said will incease fuel economy by 15 percent, from the mid 40s (mpg) to the low 50s. The new Prius will also produce 30 percent fewer tailpipe emissions than the current model. The 2004 model will be certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) for tailpipe emissions in California and those states adopting California standards. According to Toyota, the Hybrid Synergy Drive has a 50 percent more powerful 50-kilowatt drive-motor operating at up to 500 volts. This increased voltage and power is enabled by a newly adopted high-voltage power converter. Additionally, the generator in the new Prius has a higher peak operating speed that increases electric-mode operation in city and freeway slow-and-go operation. The automaker said Hybrid Synergy Drive will also improve acceleration performance from the mid-12-second range to the mid-10-second range. The 2004 Prius will also feature increased interior space, moving from a compact to the midsize class.

Topics:Operations

More Operations

A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →
Chevin 2026 Buyes Guide cover
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An overhead image of a freeway system with no vehicles
Sponsored•by Shelley Mika•October 13, 2026

What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?

EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.

Read More →
A Cox Fleet technician working on the left with the rear view of a military man saluting a flag on the right
Operations•October 8, 2026

How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles

Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.

Read More →
A transparent toll background with the Automotive Fleet logo and Neology logo on top.
Operations•October 5, 2026

Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands

Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
wedding album, car, and car keys
Operations•by Chris Brown•October 2, 2026

Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026

Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.

Read More →
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 2, 2026

The Future of Fleet + What’s Changing Right Now | AF News Recap

Could developments overseas offer a preview of what’s coming for U.S. fleets? This week, we’re looking at the future of AI, autonomy, and electrification, plus Ford Pro’s new certified pre-owned program, smarter vehicle offboarding, and a new way for fleets to manage toll expenses.

Read More →
blue text over top of the top view of cars in a parking lot
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 1, 2026

How to Handle Vehicle Offboarding

What do fleet managers need to do when a driver leaves?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Motorq Whitepaper Cover - Fleet Managers Ultimate Playbook
Sponsored•October 1, 2026

Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity

Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.

Read More →