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The introduction of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) is
Toyota’s first step in deploying Hybrid Synergy Drive across its
full model range by the 2020s.
The Prius was first introduced in Japan in 1997, making it the
first mass produced hybrid vehicle and was subsequently
introduced worldwide in 2001. In 2010, the launch of Auris
Hybrid, built exclusively at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in the
UK, marked the introduction of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive
(HSD) technology to one of its mainstream models for the first
time.
This hybrid vehicle uses a combination of petrol engine and
electric motor drive to produce outstandingly efficient
performance, safety and a major reduction of unwanted
emissions. |
How it works
A power split device sends part of the petrol
engine power to the wheels and part to a
generator. The electricity from the generator may
go directly to the electric motor to help drive the
car, or it may be converted into direct current to
be stored in the battery.
For initial acceleration and during low speed
driving, the Auris Hybrid’s ultra efficient electric
motor uses energy from the battery to power the
car. When the energy level is low, the Auris
Hybrid uses the petrol engine to power the
generator, to recharge the battery.
Above mid range speed, the Auris Hybrid uses
both its petrol engine and its electric motor in
synergy to power the car. The electric motor gets
its energy from a generator also driven by the
petrol engine.
When braking and decelerating the Auris Hybrid
electric motor is used as a generator which
converts otherwise unused kinetic energy into
electricity, to recharge the battery.
When the driver activates the EV (Electric
Vehicle) mode, the Auris Hybrid is powered
solely by the electric motor drawing its energy
from the battery.
When stationary, the Auris Hybrid petrol engine
switches off to conserve fuel. All other systems
including the electric air conditioning continue
functioning.
The Environment
When it comes to environmental performance,
new Auris Hybrid’s achievements are not just
about the fuel economy and low emissions.
Toyota’s determination to reduce emissions
and promote sustainability prompted it to
specifically develop its own recyclable plastic
called Toyota Super Olefin Polymer. This
is a resin which has better recyclability
than any conventional reinforced composite
polypropylene.
CO2 emissions are a best-on-the-market
89g/km, a figure unmatched by any other
family car. Moreover, when switched to EV
(electric vehicle) running, Auris Hybrid gives
zero emissions performance for up to 1.2
miles at speeds up to 31 mph. Toyota has
made extensive use of high recyclability
materials, and huge efforts to reduce the use
of any substances of concern in the car’s
construction.
When the EV driving mode button is pressed,
the car is powered by the electric motor alone,
allowing zero-emission performance and ultra
low-noise and smooth motoring, as well as
obviously saving on petrol costs.
The car’s engine is designed entirely around
conserving energy, while ensuring optimum
performance. In a conventional car, each time
the brakes are applied, kinetic energy is
wasted. Not so in the Auris Hybrid – when
braking the electric motor operates as a
generator, converting the vehicle’s kinetic
energy into electricity, which is used to keep
the battery charged. In fact the electric
motor is self charging, creating energy
from the car’s motion, so you never
have to plug the car into the mains.
Even the car’s power steering
system is designed to conserve
energy, kicking in gradually as and
when it’s needed.
When its driving duties are
done, more than 85% of new
Auris Hybrid can be recycled
and more than 95% of its
materials can be recovered in
a process that only accounts
for a tiny proportion (approxi -
mately two per cent) of its full
lifecycle CO2 emissions.
 How it looks
The Auris Hybrid is able to achieve 74.3 miles
per gallon on the combined cycle thanks to its
low drag coefficient figure.
The Toyota Auris Hybrid is a full hybrid and
the undisputed reference point for hybrid
technology. It works by using a petrol engine in
conjunction with an electric motor which
means it can run by using the petrol engine
only, electric only or a combination of both.
At low speeds or in traffic the Auris Hybrid
uses electric power which means zero fuel
consumption and zero emissions. |
