Are Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" reliable?
Yes. Toyota Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" offer the same level of quality as conventional vehicles.
Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" batteries have a long lifespan, and Toyota has sold over 11 million Hybrid Electrical Vehicle"HEV" worldwide. Prius (3rd gen.) was voted the UK's "Most reliable small family car" in 2017.
Do Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" require any special care to run, such as charging via a power outlet?
Simply put, no. The Toyota Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" system charges the battery in two ways: the gasoline engine drives the generator to charge the battery and regenerative braking recovers braking energy usually lost in conventional vehicles.
Do I have to drive differently in a Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV"?
No. You can drive Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV"just like a conventional vehicle.
Specialized operations, such as switching between the gasoline engine and electric motor, are all fully automated. Toyota's hybrid system automatically optimizes operation and minimizes fuel consumption.
Do Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" generate large amounts of electromagnetic waves?
Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" components are designed to shield electromagnetic waves, and emit approximately the same amount as conventional vehicles or electronic household appliances.
High-voltage parts and cables on hybrid vehicles incorporate electromagnetic shielding.
Are there any situations in which the engine does not stop?
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop in certain conditions, such as when the Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" battery is charging while parked.
The system uses both braking mechanisms to ensure maximum energy recovery without sacrificing smooth, exceptional braking performance in any driving situation
Does regenerative braking affect brake feel and performance?
Both hydraulic and regenerative braking are optimally controlled to ensure smooth feel and exceptional performance.
Are Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" able to perform engine braking?
For general driving, the Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" motor fills the role of an engine brake as it performs regenerative braking.
However, when shift position B is selected, releasing the accelerator will apply engine braking.
What is the whirring sound heard during deceleration?
This is due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
Specifically, the whirring is the sound of the energy from braking being converted into electricity.
What is the high-pitched sound that can be heard during initial acceleration?
When accelerating from a standstill, the motor alone powers the vehicle. The sound is from the motor's Power Control Unit, which is masked by the sound of the engine during normal driving.
Specifically, the whirring is the sound of the energy from braking being converted into electricity.
Why does the warning buzzer sometimes sound when stopped with the shift lever in the N range? Is it a malfunction?
It is not a malfunction. The buzzer and message activate to inform the driver when the charge remaining in the Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" battery is low. When stopped for long periods of time with the shift lever in the N range the Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" battery cannot be charged.
Why do Hybrid Electrical Vehicle "HEV" seem to move slightly when starting the engine?
This feeling comes from the momentum of the engine starting. While it may feel as though it is moving ahead slightly, it does not actually move forward.
Why are hybrid vehicles (HV) getting so much attention?
In response to the growing concern for the environment, a number of “eco-cars” have been developed. However, as HV’s do not require specialized equipment, such as charging points, they have quickly gained in popularity.
Do Hybrid batteries need to be charged?
External charging is not required. Hybrid vehicles automatically detect the battery level and charge it when required.
When is the gasoline engine assisted by the electric motor?
Gasoline engine power is supplemented by the electric motor when required, such as when under acceleration or driving uphill.
Is it possible to utilize the electric motor only in reverse mode?
The electric motor is actually generally utilized in reverse mode. The gasoline engine however is sometimes used for saving electricity power.
It’s an HV, so why is the mid-range acceleration so good?
The strong mid-range acceleration is due to the instant torque properties of the electric motor. As such, Toyota hybrid vehicles achieve both acceleration response and fuel economy.
I’ve heard that HV brakes differ from those in conventional vehicles. Is this true?
Yes, it is. Conventional vehicles are fitted with hydraulic brakes, while HVs adopt Hydraulic brakes alongside unique regenerative brakes. In HVs, hydraulic brakes, regenerative brakes work together to slow, and stop the vehicle whilealso recharging the hybrid battery.
Do you need any specialized knowledge to perform general maintenance?
No specialized knowledge of hybrid system is required to perform general maintenance for HVs. Everyday maintenance, such as putting air in the tires and checking the engine oil, is the same as a conventional vehicle.
Do HVs generate lots of electromagnetic waves?
Hybrid components specially designed to contains these waves. As a result, the electromagnetic waves emitted from HVs are low in strength-even when compared to those of conventional vehicles and electronic consumer products.
Are there any specialized driving techniques required for HVs?
No, specialized driving techniques or technical expertise are not required. You can drive HVs just like a regular car. Specialized operations, such as switching between the gasoline engine and electric motor, are fully automated.
Are HVs able to operate in high heat climates?
Through heat endurance testing has been conducted with all of Toyota’s HVs. The result show they function as well as conventional vehicles in high heat climates.
How likely is an electric shock in an HV?
All high-voltage parts used in HVs are very well protected, preventing direct contact with the vehicle’s body and people. In addition, various safety measures have been implemented, such as cutting off electricity when an impact is detected.
What advice do you have for drivers who want to maximize fuel efficiency?
Avoid any sudden driving just as with conventional vehicles. This means no sudden starts, no sudden acceleration, and no sudden deceleration. It is also important not to accelerate or decelerate unnecessarily.