New ecologically friendly plastics keep Prius’ green

While the new Prius, as well as some other Toyota models, will have new plastics from plant material, a used Prius may offer environmentally friendly features for those looking at used cars in New York.

The Prius will now come with some of its plastics made from a combination of petroleum and plant materials, which Toyota says will help to reduce carbon emissions caused by producing the car by about one-fifth.

They say the goal is to have the new plant-based plastic make up about 60 percent of the interior of the car, as well as some Lexus models across the range in the next couple of years.

Since the plants help to trap carbon dioxide, the company says that it can be more green when it uses them to make the plastics used in trim and seat cushions.

But those looking at a used Prius may find a similar nod to the environment, especially in the first model released here in 2001.

Features like the anti-lock brakes that helped recharge its hybrid powerplant allow city drivers to use less gasoline, helping it to reach an EPA-estimated 52 miles per gallon in urban areas.

Find Used Toyota Cars in New York with New Jersey State Auto