WHAT IS HYBRID
A hybrid system combines different power sources to maximize each one's strengths, while compensating for each other's shortcomings. A gasoline-electric hybrid system, for example, combines an internal combustion engine's highspeed power with the clean efficiency and low-speed torque of an electric motor that never needs to be plugged in.
It is really feasible to produce a car that offers advanced performance features while also preserving the environment.
Ordinary powertrains waste energy at stoplights, during braking, and all other times the engine is not running at optimum speed under ideal load conditions. By reducing energy wastage and applying energy more efficiently, a hybrid system can simultaneously double fuel economy, slash emissions and deliver "fun to drive" performance.
HIGH EXPANSION RATIO ATKINSON CYCLE GASOLINE ENGINE
The engine operates at optimum speed for high efficiency. This 1.5-liter engine also extracts more energy from gasoline combustion by using the high xpansionratio Atkinson Cycle.
GENERATOR
To charge the battery and supply power to the highoutput motor, the generator is rotated at up to 10,000 rpm (vs. 6,500rpm in Toyota's previous hybrid system). This improves acceleration at low and medium speed.
BATTERY
The sealed nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery is more compact and has higher power density than Toyota's previous battery. It is charged by the engine via the generator at cruising speed, and by the motor during regenerative braking.
POWER SPLIT DEVICE
This splits power from the engine into two routes: mechanical and electrical. Its planetary gear can transfer power between engine, motor, generator, and wheels in almost any combination. Also called "hybrid transaxle."
MOTOR
This permanent-magnet electric motor features neodymium magnets in an optimum V shape, to produce 50kW high output and high torque at 500V, a 1.5 times improvement over Toyota's previous hybrid system.
REGENERATIVE BRAKING
Instead of wasting energy as heat, this system uses the motor as a generator to convert braking energy into electricity. It is particularly effective in stopand-go city driving.
POWER CONTROL UNIT (INVERTER)
This contains an inverter that converts DC from the battery into AC for driving the motor. Its high-voltage power circuit raises the power supply to 500V, up from 274V in Toyota's previous hybrid system.