When starting up, stopped at intersections and lights, or moving at low speeds, the car is powered solely by the electric drive motor, drawing energy from the hybrid battery through the power control unit. Not only does this save on fuel and result in zero emissions, but the electric drive motor also helps the acceleration process by delivering maximum torque instantly.
Call it a win-win situation. When the car needs to accelerate quickly, to pass another car on the highway, for example, the engine and electric drive motor team up to supply power for smooth and powerful acceleration. The hybrid battery does its bit by providing the extra energy needed to increase drive power. The combination of direct mechanical power from the engine and electric power from the motor, together with the Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission ECVT , deliver responsive acceleration when you most need it.
When cruising and under normal driving conditions, both the gasoline engine and electric motor supply power to the wheels. At higher speeds, the gasoline engine does most of the work and the electric drive motor kicks in when needed; at lower speeds, it's the other way around. Engine power is divided between the wheels and the generator for maximum efficiency by way of the planetary gear.
The generator drives the electric motor and also helps recharge the hybrid battery from surplus engine power. That's why it's called a Hybrid Synergy Drive system: it all works smoothly together for amazing results. For most cars, braking means loss of energy through heat and friction.
But, when you take your foot off the accelerator or apply the brakes on a Toyota hybrid car, you actually help recharge the battery and boost system efficiency. Thanks to a regenerative braking system, kinetic energy from the wheels is transformed into electricity and sent by the electric motor to the power control unit - and then stored in the hybrid battery. In other words, the electric motor becomes a generator, driven by the car's wheels.
This system is especially effective in the stop-and-go of urban driving. Re-usable energy - now there's a concept. Power split devices can reduce fuel consumption , depending on the planetary gear configuration. Hybrid vehicles can run into some issues when it comes to their batteries.
Over time, the batteries can no longer hold a charge and need repairs or replacement. Errors in specific cells can also cause your car to run solely on gas, reducing fuel efficiency and driving up gasoline costs. Battery warranties last eight years or , miles in most states, whichever comes first.
Due to the longevity of Toyotas, many people keep their Priuses much longer than that. Still, your battery will eventually lose its ability to store energy and require a replacement. Hybrid vehicles have unique designs that are challenging to fix. The batteries are closely intertwined with the gasoline engine and electric motors, which complicates the repairs.
Sometimes one or a few modules in a battery will have faulty cells. While replacing the affected modules seems like a sufficient repair, it can lead to problems down the line because the battery is not balanced correctly. As a result, you will need to replace your hybrid battery once it starts malfunctioning.
Purchasing a battery from a Toyota dealership can get costly, so you may want to buy your battery from another source. Some people opt for reconditioned batteries, but you can buy new ones for less from reputable sources , like Exclusively Hybrid. Now that you know how your Toyota Prius works, you can appreciate the innovative hybrid engine every time you are on the road. As long as you make sure your battery is working correctly and replace it in time, you can enjoy years of energy-efficient use with your Prius.
Prius Design The design of a Prius impacts its speed by reducing the drag. Starting From the Stopped Position As you pull from a stop, the electric motor provides power supplied from the battery.
Braking and Stopping The Toyota Prius has a regenerative braking system that enables when you release pressure from the gas pedal or apply the breaks. Cruising and Acceleration At steady speeds over 15 MPH, some of the gasoline powers the generator to produce electricity for the batteries. Problems With Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid vehicles can run into some issues when it comes to their batteries. Enjoy the Hybrid Technology Now that you know how your Toyota Prius works, you can appreciate the innovative hybrid engine every time you are on the road.
Sales: ampm. Service: 6am-8pm. Parts: 6am-8pm. Search Anything How Does a Hybrid Work. Toyota Prius Specials. New Cars. Should I Buy a Hybrid? Did you know that Toyota of Orlando offers a wide variety of hybrid vehicles at our dealership? Test drive hybrid vehicles at Toyota of Orlando As noted, the Toyota Prius at our Central Florida dealership can sense just how much power you need, so it effortlessly switches back and forth between gasoline and electric power.
Find Your Vehicle Close. Search By Keyword Search:. Saved Vehicles Close.
0コメント