Hybrid vehicles are now steadily becoming popular due to a number of factors. Environment and health issues are not the only reasons why people are switching to this type of vehicle. Gas prices have soared. The demand for higher emissions regulations has prompted automobile companies to create fuel efficient and environmental friendly cars.
The Japanese has been known for its cutting edge technology that can compete worldwide. They are responsible for creating a hybrid vehicle and sold it commercially.
The first hybrid vehicle was named Prius which means "to go before". It has clearly lived up to its name as it became the pioneer of hybrid vehicles. Hybrids have now evolved from the simple compact four door sedan to SUVs.
Toyota Prius
The executive of Toyota was given the task of creating an environmental friendly and fuel efficient car in 1994. The engineering team chose to go with a hybrid design but it took three years to solve engineering and technical problems. The main problem was battery life. The battery pack was kept charged between 40% to 60% percent to solve this problem.
The vehicle was sold in Japan in 1997, and was a moderate success. It was sold on the American market and sales picked up in 2004. The model was then improved and upgraded versions were introduced.
The Prius uses a combination of the series and parallel hybrid system. This means it can use both gasoline and electric power or switch between the two.
Its components consist of regenerative breaking, an internal combustion engine that uses the Atkinson cycle, two electric motors, hybrid synergy drive, nickel metal hydride battery with 237.6 volts, vacuum flask, EV mode, Kammback design, lower rolling-resistance tires, and aluminum engine bay hood to reduce weight.
The vehicle has an on board computer that automatically turns off the engine during idle periods, when reversing and descending hills. It also determines what and how the power sources (engine, motor or both) are to be used to be able to recharge the battery.
This vehicle is perfectly suited for driving in the city where traffic is normal and idle periods are common. At low speeds the vehicle runs solely on its battery pack and recaptures energy when braking. Conventional cars use a lot of fuel in sudden acceleration and waste energy when braking. Hybrids use their electric power in stop-and-go driving which makes it more fuel efficient thereby reducing emissions at the same time.
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