Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) is defined as a "full hybrid system," which is capable of operating in gas or electric modes, or with gas and electric power together.
HSD combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 76 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque with an electric motor producing its maximum power of 67 hp from 1,200 to 1,540 rpm, and peak torque of 295 lb-ft from 0 to 1,200 rpm.
The electronic continuously variable transmission does not have fixed gear ratios, but instead provides infinitely variable ratios within a range, which is supposed to allow it to determine the correct gear for every driving condition.
When the brakes are applied, the electric motor functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes, transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. This is called "regenerative braking."
Toyota's gas/electric hybrid powertrain technology produces enough power from both the gasoline engine and the electric motor, to enable the Prius to go from 0-100 kmh in about 10 seconds, which Toyota says is comparable to a four-cylinder mid-sized car.
Toyota also points out that "one of the most remarkable features of the Toyota Prius is what the driver does not feel" since the computer-controlled powertrain seamlessly blends power from the gasoline engine, the electric motor and the generator.
photo:Toyota Canada
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| 2006 Toyota Prius (Photo: Toyota) |
The electronic continuously variable transmission does not have fixed gear ratios, but instead provides infinitely variable ratios within a range, which is supposed to allow it to determine the correct gear for every driving condition.
When the brakes are applied, the electric motor functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes, transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. This is called "regenerative braking."
 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius (Photo: Toyota) |
Toyota also points out that "one of the most remarkable features of the Toyota Prius is what the driver does not feel" since the computer-controlled powertrain seamlessly blends power from the gasoline engine, the electric motor and the generator.
photo:Toyota Canada
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