Just like any other car manufacturer, Toyota hybrid system combines the gasoline engine and the electric motor power to improve the fuel economy largely and minimize the emissions as well as to provide higher power performance than the ordinary gasoline-powered vehicles.
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The two hybrid power sources are stored on board the vehicle:
- Gasoline stored in the fuel tank for the gasoline engine.
- Electricity stored in a high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack for the electric motor.
The result of combining these two power sources is improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to recharge the battery pack; unlike a pure all electric vehicle, the hybrids never needs to be recharged from an external electric power source. Depending on the driving condition, the vehicle runs on the best combination of;
- Gasoline engine power
- Electric motor power generated by the gasoline engine
- Electric motor power of the hybrid vehicle battery
Furthermore, the energy is effectively used in the following ways:
- When stopping the vehicle, the gasoline engine is automatically stopped.
- When decreasing the speed by applying the brakes, electricity converted from the turning force of the wheels is stored in the hybrid vehicle battery. (This is called the regenerative brake.)
The Toyota hybrid system’s battery is charged by the gasoline engine as needed, it does not require charging from the outside like an electric vehicle. In this way, greatly improved fuel economy and reduced emissions are attained.If you do not use the vehicle for a longtime, the hybrid vehicle battery will dis-charge and the battery condition is liable to decline.
Toyota hybrid system operating conditions
The basic operations of the Toyota hybrid system are described below. Besides, Toyota hybrid system performs various controls depending on the operating condition, such as at the time of hybrid system starting, at the time of charging should be required, at the time of the air conditioning is in use, etc
Electric Power in Use
When starting or backing up, etc.,the gasoline engine efficiency worsens, so the vehicle runs on electric power from hybrid vehicle battery.
Gasoline power in use
During normal driving, the vehicle runs mainly on gasoline power. However, the electric motor, using electric power generated by the gasoline engine, makes up for any deficiency of gasoline power.The vehicle controls the optimum ratio of the gasoline and electric power to help save energy more effectively.
Electric and gasoline power in use
When driving at full throttle, electric power is further applied from the hybrid vehicle battery. Vehicle performance improves.
Storing electric power
When decreasing speed or applying the brakes, the turning force of the wheels makes the electric motor operate as a generator, and additional electricity is stored in the hybrid vehicle battery (regenerative brake).
Charging hybrid vehicle battery
When the hybrid vehicle battery power is insufficient, the gasoline engine charges the hybrid vehicle battery. The system always supplies electricity at a constant level.
For efficient use of the vehicle
Drive the vehicle with a smooth acceleration and deceleration. With the following pointers in mind;
- When driving, energy is effectively recovered through the regenerative brake as the vehicle decelerates. However, for more efficient use, do not accelerate or decelerate your vehicle more than necessary.
- By avoiding abrupt acceleration and deceleration, the remaining capacity of the hybrid vehicle battery can be preserved and it makes it possible to run the vehicle utilizing the gasoline engine and the electric power from the hybrid vehicle battery.
- The remaining capacity of the hybrid vehicle battery can be confirmed on the energy monitor screen of the multi-information display. As the way in which you drive may decrease the remaining capacity of the hybrid vehicle battery and reduce fuel-economy, drive your vehicle without abrupt acceleration or deceleration.
Toyota Hybrid Vehicle Lineup
A list of cars that utilize the Toyota hybrid system.
- Corolla Hybrid
- Toyota Prius
- Camry Hybrid
- Prius Prime
- Avalon Hybrid
- RAV4 Hybrid
- Highlander Hybrid
