Hybrid Synergy Drive System

"Once a system, including the production facility, is established, it takes a great deal of effort to change its shape. This is because making a shift away from what already exists may entail starting from scratch. Is it possible to retain the basic system developed for the 1st generation Prius and still attain the targeted performance? Can we really deliver both outstanding fuel efficiency and powerful performance? Can we reduce costs? Developing the HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE was just a series of headaches one after the other"
Development Staff

High Output Electric Motor

"In some cases, it is better to let a specialist manufacturer develop electric motors and generators. But, when it comes to developing an electric motor specifically to propel an automobile, especially one having a structural design to be integrated with the transmission system, we need to develop something in-house."
Development Staff

Prius Engine – 1NZ-FXE

"Let's say that the test results showed that the fuel consumption is poor. If it were a petrol engine powered car, we can usually figure out what to do from years of experience. But, in the case of a petrol engine for a hybrid vehicle, we had no clue as to what to do because it is intricately combined with the electric motor, battery and other components. This meant that any verification had to be conducted by running the prototype, verifying one item at a time. We had to learn a lot about electric motors and batteries, which are usually not directly related to petrol engines."
Development Staff

Power Control Unit / Inverter

"We improved every aspect, the chip, hear sink material, circuitry and others, to develop an inverter that can work together with the petrol engine. This was perhaps the key factor that allowed us to deliver the world's first hybrid vehicle that is kind to the environment."
Development Staff

Power Control Unit / Voltage-Boosting Converter

"We implemented a Voltage-Boosting Converter in the Power Control Unit, which steps up the voltage supplied from the battery in accordance with acceleration of the vehicle. It is a small device, but it has contributed significantly in down sizing the electric motor and battery, as well as cutting down on the cost. It is an idea that matches handsomely with our hybrid vehicle."
Development Staff

Nickel-Metal Hybrid Battery

"Determining the physical properties of the battery, to accurately assessing the discharge status and control it within the intermediate range that will neither over-charge or over-drain the battery, were extremely difficult to achieve. It takes a very delicate and fine balance, like keeping a tennis ball in the centre of a racket face while you walk. Enhancing the battery performance, down sizing the battery and cutting the cost will be critical for hybrid vehicles to become more popular in the future. We will not be content with the status of things as they stand today. We will continuously pursue further technological advancements."
Development Staff

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