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Changes in technology have completely revolutionised the way people drive; cars are now safer, smoother and more efficient than ever before, with intelligent features that were not so very long ago the stuff of sci-fi movies.

The Hybrid Electrical Vehicle (HEV) is one of the most exciting developments in motoring. Its benefits vary between being highly economical, more environmentally friendly and even safer than conventional vehicles.

Toyota has always been at the forefront of motoring innovation, and as the creators of the first ever mass-produced hybrid electrical vehicle, we’ve played an important role in helping to protect the planet too. With global CO₂ emissions a major concern for all governments, vehicles that don’t guzzle gallons of gas have become increasingly popular over recent years. Advances in battery technology have been a major factor in altering opinions, with today’s versions offering greater fuel efficiency, control and added luggage space.

The Batteries

Toyota HEVs have two batteries; one is a standard battery for the high voltage system and the other an auxiliary with a 12V capacity that supplies power to the hybrid system.

These are comprised of one nickel-metal hydride and one lithium-ion battery. Both are able to charge at constant levels by using regenerative braking and surplus power; making the new HEV battery both powerful and reliable.

Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density (the amount of energy that can be stored per unit of weight or volume). Nickel-metal hydride batteries are stable even at low temperatures. The newly created electrode material found in nickel-metal hydride batteries dramatically increase battery power and charge performance, while lithium-ion batteries offer a huge improvement in output performance thanks to their reduced cell resistance.

Toyota HEVs, equipped with THS (Toyota Hybrid System), combine the advantages of gasoline engines and electric motors, giving drivers the best of both worlds. While car buyers traditionally had to choose between efficiency and performance, HEV vehicles offer a new synergy between motor and engine that even cynics can appreciate. Maximum torque is delivered from the moment of acceleration without affecting consumption, conserving fuel without sacrificing performance.

The main electrolyte in the HEV battery is a potassium chloride solution that is stored in the safest part of the car (usually the trunk). Anyone concerned about the danger of electric shock doesn’t need to worry. In the unlikely event that the vehicle should end up under water, the high voltage system is automatically shut down, giving its passengers the safety measures they not only demand, but deserve.

The battery operates at a 30% to 80% State of Charge (SOC) to minimise stress, applying short power bursts for acceleration. Under normal use, HEV batteries consume less than 2% of their total capacity per mile, making for a highly efficient vehicle with no need to warm up the engine on a cold morning. Furthermore, the electromagnetic waves generated by an HEV battery are no higher than those produced by a standard kitchen appliance.

The future, today

Moving forward, Toyota is conducting research into next-generation batteries with an energy density that greatly exceeds that of the current models. The company is creating new systems and methods to promote the wider use of Hybrid Electric Vehicles and have recently introduced wireless charging, which enables batteries to be charged without connecting any cables. Plans are also underway to improve fuel efficiency by a further 10% by developing and introducing SIC power semiconductors, which in turn will significantly reduce power loss issues.

Through a combination of research, dedication and expert craftsmanship, Toyota is committed to making HEVs the standard on roads across the globe. The future for the HEV is bright, and Toyota is leading the way.

How does the Hybrid engine work? Will the car stop if it needs to be recharged in the middle of a ride? Does it really help the environment?

Let’s see if we can answer these concerns regarding the purchase of hybrid cars in the Kingdom.

Hybrid Car Technology

Hybrid cars use two sources of power; the first is the electric battery and the second is fuel. The electric battery in hybrid cars recharges automatically while the car is in motion, which means that the car will not stop midway. The energy is used to run your car during traffic to save fuel. In turn, this stretches the time between charges, but if you need to accelerate, the engine will kick in to guarantee a smooth, worry-free driving experience.

An Optimum Choice

Buying a hybrid car is a smart decision and a worthy investment, both today and on the long run. Firstly, most of the braking is carried out by the electric motor, and this means longer engine life. More importantly, your hybrid car will easily save almost 50% of your fuel consumption, seeing that half of your journey time is powered by electricity.

Environmentally Friendly

With almost 50% of journey time depending on electricity, CO₂ emissions are remarkably decreased and we are left with fresher, cleaner air to breathe. Moreover, running on electricity makes your journey almost noiseless. This makes hybrid cars perfectly environmentally friendly.

With these queries answered, the decision to make the switch becomes much easier. With hybrid cars, rest assured that you never have to compromise on cutting-edge design, optimum performance and energy conservation. It’s indeed the real deal!

They may still be relatively new to the automobile market, but hybrid cars aren’t actually a new idea – engineers at General Electric first came up with the concept as far back as the late 1800s, with a gas-electric hybrid featuring a four-cylinder engine. But as soon as the self-starting engine was released in 1913, the idea of electric cars was soon forgotten. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that car manufacturers began to reconsider the idea.
Toyota proudly introduced hybrid vehicles in 1997, presenting a whole new world of opportunities for environmentally conscious drivers. Initially, reviews were mixed. The transition from electric to gas power wasn’t as smooth as it could have been, and the 13 seconds it took to get from 0 to 60 was a major concern for anyone who didn’t want to have to choose between fuel efficiency and power. But thanks to continued research and development, today’s hybrid vehicles offers more power, fewer fuel emissions and better gas mileage than ever before.

Here are just a few reasons why more and more people are making Toyota HEVs their vehicle of choice:
Kinder to the environment: switching over to electrical power means hybrids burn less fuel, dramatically reducing the amount of smoke and other pollutants.
Increased mileage: because hybrids only run partially on gasoline, drivers can enjoy much better fuel efficiency. Maximum torque is delivered from the very moment of acceleration without affecting consumption.
Salient: Toyota HEVs are instantly noticeable and distinctive, standing out from the crowd.
Quiet: with very little engine noise, HEVs glide effortlessly along the roads without making a fuss.
Regenerative braking: every time the brake is applied, an internal mechanism kicks in to boost the battery.
Comfortable: HEVs are smooth to handle, accelerating just as quickly as other cars and cruising effortlessly along the highway.

Toyota continues to innovate and there are exciting plans for the future. The company is constantly creating new ways to promote the wider use of HEVs.
Toyota is also developing SIC power conductors to improve battery power and improve fuel efficiency by a further 10%.

Hybrid vehicle technology has come a long way since its early days, but it’s here to stay.