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A 21st Century Core Technology?Hybrid System
Ever since it introduced the Prius in 1997, Toyota has continued to develop a variety of technologies that seek a sophisticated fusion of environmental performance and power (driving excitement).
To increase the popularity of hybrid vehicles, Toyota plans to double its hybrid vehicle lineup by the early 2010s.
Toyota Hybrid System
・ World’s first hybrid system for mass-production passenger vehicles that uses an innovative powertrain to achieve an unprecedentedly high level of fuel efficiency.
・ Uses two motors (one for power generation and one for driving) by combining a parallel hybrid system with a series hybrid system, bringing out the advantages of both systems to the fullest extent.
・ Achieves approximately twice the fuel efficiency of comparable gasoline-engine vehicles without sacrificing the dynamic performance.
Toyota Hybrid System II
・ A new generation hybrid system that achieves high fuel efficiency and dynamic performance that is greater than normally offered at this engine size.
・ A newly developed variable voltage system has been adopted to increase the voltage of the power supply system, resulting in increases in both motor rpm and output using a smaller current, as well as higher efficiency.
・ An increase in the battery output density has reduced the number of batteries required.
・ Achieves a high level of environmental performance as well as a high level of power (dynamic performance), which makes the vehicles extremely fun to drive, just as they should be.
Toyota Hybrid System II with Reduction Device
・ Toyota developed this hybrid system for use in vehicles that require more power, such as SUVs.
・ By increasing the combined torque with a reduction gear, Toyota reduced the size of the front motor and successfully matched this hybrid system to a large-size engine.
・ With the high-output rear motor of the E-Four (electric 4-wheel drive) system providing superior driving stability and high regenerative efficiency, the Toyota Hybrid System II achieves fuel efficiency equivalent to that of compact vehicles.
* 3.3-liter, V6: Harrier Hybrid and Kluger Hybrid
2.4-liter, in-line: Second-generation Estima Hybrid
Toyota Hybrid System II with Two-stage Motor Speed Reduction Device
・ This hybrid system has a two-stage motor speed reduction device, which utilizes the motor’s high-efficiency region more widely than before, and has been developed for use in rear-wheel drive vehicles.
・ Use of the two-stage motor speed reduction device supports both high output and high vehicle speed.
・ High environmental performance and extraordinary dynamic performance have been simultaneously achieved.
Research and Development for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
・ Plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries can be recharged at home using off-peak electricity.
・ Over short distances it runs as an EV (electrical vehicle); over longer distances it runs as a normal hybrid vehicle.
・ Benefits: reduction in CO2 emissions, possible reduction in fuel costs, quiet operation during EV drive, and no need for new charging facilities.
・ To provide 60km electric drive range would require about 12-times the battery capacity of the current Prius.
・ There are many challenges concerning battery technology, such as creating a revolutionary battery for passenger vehicles that is smaller, lighter, and more powerful.
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