Toyota's newly developed hybrid powertrain

Toyota has developed a hybrid powertrain system based on a new concept. This system includes a drive train which features a planetary gear mechanism for division of the drive force and two motor/generators. Computer control is used to optimize engine fuel consumption, minimize exhaust emissions, stop and start the engine and apply regenerative braking. The system also uses newly developed, high-output Ni-MH batteries. Test vehicles fitted with this new hybrid system realized approximately twice the fuel economy of the conventional model and exhibited a high level of potential in terms of minimizing exhaust emissions.