Hybrid Synergy Drive

Posted In: Tips To Increase Gas Mileage

We mus have heard about the word hybrid. A simple explaination to it mean the combination of two or more source to create a results. In that matter, a hybrid vehicle or later we called it (HV) is preferably is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power or fuel sources such as an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a fueled power (petrol or diesel) source for vehicle propulsion, human powered bicycle with battery assist or a sail boat with electric power

The term most commonly refers to Hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) which includes internal combustion engines (if uses petroleum, it´s called a a hybrid-electric petroleum vehicle) and electric motors (generally powered by electric batteries). These latest technology has been used widely in the nation but the acceptance level is still lower. The first mass production hybrid car is Toyota Prius in 1997, but only debut in Japanese market. Prius made through to US market several year later and the heat was on since then, making the development is a new challange.
The latest development in hybrid car nowadays is the technology of Hybrid Synergy Drive or (HSD). HSD is a set of hybrid car technologies developed by Toyota and used in that company’s Prius, Highlander Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Lexus GS 450h, and Lexus LS 600h/LS 600hL automobiles. It combines the characteristics of an electric drive and a continuously variable transmission, using electricity and transistors in place of toothed gears. The Synergy Drive is a drive-by-wire system with no direct mechanical connection between the engine and the engine controls: both the gas pedal and the gearshift lever in an HSD car merely send electrical signals to a control computer.
HSD is a refinement of the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) used in the 1997-2003 Toyota Prius. As such it is occasionally referred to as THS II. The name was changed in anticipation of its use in vehicles outside the Toyota brand (Lexus; the HSD-derived systems used in Lexus vehicles were termed Lexus Hybrid Drive since 2006). The Lexus Hybrid Drive system has since been touted for its increase in vehicle power as well as environmental and efficiency benefits.
When required to classify the transmission type of an HSD vehicle (such as in standard specification lists or for regulatory purposes), Toyota describes HSD-equipped vehicles as having E-CVT (Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission).
General Motors and DaimlerChrysler’s Global Hybrid Cooperation is similar in that it combines the power from a single engine and two motors. In contrast, Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist uses a more traditional ICE and transmission where the flywheel is replaced with an electric motor.
Some early non-production Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle conversions have been based on the version of HSD found in the 2004 and 2005 model year Prius. Early Pba conversions by CalCars have demonstrated 10 miles of ev-only and 20 miles of double mileage mixed-mode range. A company planning to offer conversions to consumers named EDrive systems will be using Valence Li-ion batteries and have 35 miles of electric range. Both of these systems leave the existing HSD system mostly unchanged and could be similarly applied to other hybrid powertrain flavors by simply replacing the stock NiMH batteries with a higher capacity battery pack and of course a charger to refill them for about $0.03 per mile from standard household outlets. Another provider of a plug-in module for the Toyota Prius is Hymotion.
We have seen the development of these new technology as good for us but since then, none of them were price competitive. Even an USA’s automobile spokeperson said earlier this year that they just focus on selling new car rather than concentrating with these hybrid technology. They mean business.

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