The Toyota Prius was not the first hybrid car brought to market, but it was the first modern gasoline-electric vehicle to muster real sales success. But the Prius didn't just bring the concept of a hybrid car to the masses, it also introduced the industry to Toyota's two-motor power-split parallel-hybrid system. **Understanding Hybrid Systems** There are four main types of hybrid systems used in vehicles: parallel, series, plug-in, and mild hybrids. To distinguish among them, ask whether the hybrid system can power the vehicle on battery electricity alone, or whether the gasoline engine always has to be on. **Parallel Hybrids** Parallel hybrids use two sources of power: an engine and an electric motor. Both can power the wheels, together or separately. Toyota's system, first introduced in a Japan-market Prius in 1997, uses two motors between the engine and front wheels, powered by a small battery pack. The "power split" part ...
The Toyota Prius was not the first hybrid car brought to market, but it was the first modern gasoline-electric vehicle to muster real sales success. But the Prius didn’t just bring the concept of a hybrid car to the masses, it also introduced the industry to Toyota’s two-motor power-split parallel-hybrid system.
**Understanding Hybrid Systems**
There are four main types of hybrid systems used in vehicles: parallel, series, plug-in, and mild hybrids. To distinguish among them, ask whether the hybrid system can power the vehicle on battery electricity alone, or whether the gasoline engine always has to be on.
**Parallel Hybrids**
Parallel hybrids use two sources of power: an engine and an electric motor. Both can power the wheels, together or separately. Toyota’s system, first introduced in a Japan-market Prius in 1997, uses two motors between the engine and front wheels, powered by a small battery pack. The “power split” part of the description means both sources come together to provide a single torque output to the wheels.
**Series Hybrids**
Series hybrids are simpler in concept. Whenever more power is needed than the battery can supply, a gasoline engine switches on to power a generator that recharges the pack. The key here is that the engine torque only powers the generator, not the wheels. This setup is best at steady vehicle speeds, where the engine can operate most efficiently at preset engine speeds.
**Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs)**
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are regular hybrids with a much larger battery that can be plugged in to recharge from the grid. This lets them operate as electric vehicles for some distance. The EPA range estimates for PHEVs go from as few as 7 miles to as many as 51 miles.
**Mild Hybrids**
Mild hybrids have electric motors that aren’t powerful enough to propel the vehicle alone. They may sit between the engine and transmission, or be part of an integrated starter-generator system in which a beefier electric motor replaces both those components. The motor effectively adds some extra boost to the engine when needed, meaning potential fuel savings by avoiding a downshift.
**The Evolution of Hybrid Technology**
With close to three decades of experience under its belt, Toyota has software algorithms that make all these transitions entirely seamless—and these days, drivers and passengers may not even notice the engine switching on and off. Plug-in hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime, offer a way to meet rising zero-emission-vehicle requirements without the expense of engineering entirely new battery-electric cars.
**Conclusion**
The evolution of hybrid technology has led to a wide range of options for consumers, from the efficient and environmentally friendly to the more affordable and practical. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards more sustainable and efficient vehicles, understanding the different types of hybrid systems is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions.
COMMENTS