Toyota Lead The Way

The 1.5 litre, Atkinson cycle engine operates at optimum speed for high efficiency. It develops 57kW @ 5000r/min and 115Nm @ 4000r/min, and switches off whenever it isn't needed. When energy usage is low, surplus power from the engine is used to recharge the battery.

The second part is a 500V electric motor, capable of producing 50kW @ 1200 - 1540r/min and 400Nm @ 0 - 1200r/min. During braking, a regenerative braking system operates the motor as a generator, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is used to charge the battery. This is particularly effective in recovering energy during city driving, when frequent acceleration and deceleration is common.

The generator charges the battery and supplies power to the electric motor. Measures such as rotor strength enhancement have increased the rpm range for maximum output from 6,500 to 10,000r/min. The result: greatly improved acceleration.

The new Prius has a 200V Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) battery, which produces the highest power output density in the world. It is compact, completely sealed (zero maintenance), and should last for the entire life of the vehicle. The battery is charged by the engine and the regenerative braking process. You never need to plug this car in.

This device seamlessly splits power from and to the engine, motor, generator and wheels by allocating and combining them in almost any combination.

This little unit steps the power up from 200V in the battery, to 500V for the electric motor.