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Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid Vehicles - Archived Discussions How do Hybrids work? Newbie questions encouraged! 
139 messages, Last post on Aug 02, 2007 at 5:38 PM
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What are the different types of hybrid cars and who is using what technology? Short list would do fine.
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Replying to: Sylvia (Aug 06, 2004 7:41 am) Insight Civic and Accord = IMA = serial hybrid Silverado/Sierra = ? = starter/generator control module
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Replying to: rfruth (Sep 08, 2004 3:09 pm) A serial hybrid uses the engine to run the batteries, and has only electric propulsion. At least that is my understanding. I think the Honda IMA is a parallel system, because both the ICE and electric motors are engaged at the same time.
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Replying to: stevedebi (Sep 08, 2004 3:20 pm) however howstuffworks.com and Insightcentral.net http://www.insightcentral.net/encyclopedia/enhybrid.html say what you are saying and that is IMA is a parallel system, if you ask me (and others) IMA is just that integrated motor assist, it (the IMA electric motor) is in series with the gas motor, the vehicle can't move without the gas motor thus its a serial hybrid. Prius / Escape can use either or both thus a parallel hybrid.
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Replying to: rfruth (Sep 08, 2004 3:50 pm) http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car2.htm "You can combine the two power sources found in a hybrid car in different ways. One way, known as a parallel hybrid, has a fuel tank, which supplies gasoline to the engine. But it also has a set of batteries that supplies power to an electric motor. Both the engine and the electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time, and the transmission then turns the wheels." Note that both Honda and Toyota hybrids fit this definition, though many Prius enthusiasts insist that the planetary gearset does not meet the qualification of a transmission. But it powers the wheels, so cut some slack here... the two terms refer to how the electric motors are used. "By contrast, in a series hybrid the gasoline engine turns a generator, and the generator can either charge the batteries or power an electric motor that drives the transmission. Thus, the gasoline engine never directly powers the vehicle." Emphasis is mine... Many Prius enthusiasts make their own definitions, based on the difference in the HSD, but that doesn't change the scientific literature. In implementation, the HSD does have the electric and ICE operating at the same time (different parts of the planetary gearset), and in the IMA the electric is in line with the transmission. This causes some confusion. I suppose that is why we have this forum... |
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Replying to: rfruth (Sep 08, 2004 3:50 pm) Just to claify for the newbies: The IMA (Honda Hybrid) can move with or without the electric motor, at any speed, since the ICE is used at all times. It won't perform so well or get very good MPG though. The HSD (Toyota Hybrid) cannot move without the electric motor - battery power is all it uses up to about 15 MPH. At least, I've never seen any Prius enthusiasts claim it will move from a standing start with ICE only.
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Replying to: stevedebi (Sep 08, 2004 4:19 pm)
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Replying to: rfruth (Sep 08, 2004 4:43 pm) I figured you'd probably catch that. No, not really, though I haven't ever caught them in a factual mistake (I've only checked the automotive stuff). I suppose I should have said "reliable" or "known factual" source. "do note that the Prius can move without its electric motors and to say thats all it uses up to 15 MPH is just plain wrong, I don't know where you heard that but ask that source if the ICE ever runs when they are in reverse or at slow speeds (yes it does thus the parallel label, it can ((and does)) use either or both motors as needed)))" Can you please quote me a "reliable" and "factual" source that says the Prius can start up from a standstill on ICE only? The ICE engine will engage at low speeds - to charge the batteries and power the electric motors. At least that is my understanding of the system from the Toyota web sites, which include some very nice animated graphics of the HSD system. It's only a side note anyway, since both IMA and HSD are not designed to work ICE only.
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Replying to: stevedebi (Sep 08, 2004 5:02 pm) |
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