Goals of Hybrid Synergy Drive Development

A More Powerful Synergy

In a conventional powertrain, there is a tradeoff between power and efficiency. If you try to raise one, you reduce the other. All things being equal, the larger your engine, the lower your gas mileage. Hybrid Synergy Drive rearranges this relationship. Instead of compromising or sacrificing, it seeks synergies.

In the new Prius, Hybrid Synergy Drive achieves a more powerful synergy by boosting the hybrid system's voltage to a maximum of 500V (up from 274V in the previous Prius). A higher voltage means that electrical power can be supplied to the motor using a smaller current to increase efficiency. Or, if current is kept the same, the higher voltage can be used to raise power.

More Fun To Drive

In addition to its high-voltage power circuit, Hybrid Synergy Drive also employs a higher-performance battery and a higher-speed motor and generator. Together with enhanced energy management, these enable 1.5 times the motor power of Toyota's previous hybrid system, while attaining even greater fuel economy.

Side benefits include "torque on demand," an innovation that gives added traction on slick roads by taking advantage of the power split device.

For the driver, the combination of greater motor power and engine power, plus greater control in Hybrid Synergy Drive provides a more powerful, smoother and safer driving experience.

It's a solution whose time has come, just in time.

In developing Hybrid Synergy Drive, Toyota sought ways to strengthen engine and motor power, raise electric power, and improve energy management for more efficient and effective control of the energy made available. The benefits are world leading environmental performance and more powerful acceleration for a higher "fun to drive" quotient.

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