Mechanism

Starting Off

Taking advantage of the electric motors' low-speed torque at start-off

When the car starts off, HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE uses only the electric motors, powered by the battery, while the gas/petrol engine remains shut off. A gas/petrol engine cannot produce high torque in the low rpm range, whereas electric motors can - delivering a very responsive and smooth start.

*When the ignition is initially turned on, the gas/petrol engine is turned on and kept running until it is warmed up.

Mid-Speed Driving

Energy-efficient motor-driven running

A gas/petrol engine is not energy efficient in running a car in the mid speed range. On the other hand, an electric motors are energy efficient in running a car in the mid-speed range.

Therefore, HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE uses the electric energy stored in its battery to run the car on the electric motors in the mid speed range.

*If the battery charge level is low, the gas/petrol engine is used to turn the generator to supply power to the electric motor.

Cruising

Energy-efficient driving, using the gas/petrol engine as the main power source

HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE uses the gas/petrol engine in the speed range in which it operates with good energy efficiency.
The power produced by the gas/petrol engine is used to drive the wheels directly, and depending on the driving conditions, part of the power is distributed to the generator. Power produced by the generator is used to feed the electric motors, to supplement the gas/petrol engine.
By making use of the engine/motor dual powertrain, the energy produced by the gas/petrol engine is transferred to the road surface with minimal loss.

*If the battery charge level is low, the power output from the gas/petrol engine is increased to increase the amount of electricity generated to recharge the battery.

Cruising/Recharging

Recharging the battery with surplus energy

Since HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE operates the gas/petrol engine in its high efficiency range, the gas/petrol engine may produce more power than is necessary to drive the car. In this case, the surplus power is converted to electric energy by the generator to be stored in the battery.

Full Acceleration

Dual power for acceleration one class higher

When strong acceleration is called for (e.g, for climbing a steep slope or overtaking) the power from the battery is supplied to the electric motors to supplement driving power. By combining the power from the gas/petrol engine and the electric motors, HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE delivers power comparable to cars having one class larger engine displacement.

Deceleration/Regenerating Energy

Storing regenerated energy under deceleration in the battery

Under braking or when the accelerator is lifted, HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE uses the kinetic energy of the car to let the wheels turn the electric motors, which function as regenerators. Energy that is normally lost as friction heat under deceleration is converted into electrical energy, which is recovered in the battery to be reused later.

At Rest

Shutting down entire powertrain when the car is at rest

The gas/petrol engine, the electric motors and the generator are automatically shut down when the car comes to rest. No energy is wasted by idling.

*If the battery charge level is low, the gas/petrol engine is kept running to recharge it. In some cases, the gas/petrol engine may be turned on in conjunction with the air-conditioner switch operation.