Service Focus Jan, 27 2017
Lexus Hybrid Drive
SERVICE FOCUS
Gasoline engine
- Provides power to the wheels under heavy loads, above certain speeds and to charge the HV Battery.
- Turns on and off under certain conditions like stop-and-go traffic, to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Regenerative braking system
- Motor is used as a generator to convert braking energy into electricity.
- Effective in stop-and-go city traffic.
Auxiliary battery
- Powers the 12V system in the vehicle, including lights, windows and electrical accessories.
Electric Motor
- Charges the high voltage battery.
- Propels the vehicle.
Power control unit (Inverter)
- Converts AC voltage to DC voltage.
- Provides power to the electric air conditioning compressor.
- Unlike conventional vehicles, a hybrid can run the air conditioning without running the engine.
Hybrid transaxle
- Plays a dual role.
- Provides both electrical and engine power to the wheels.
- Acts as a generator to charge the high voltage battery.
High voltage battery
- One of two power sources to drive the vehicle, the other power source is the engine.
- Can power the vehicle on its own, or work in conjunction with the gasoline engine when loads require.
- When powering the vehicle on its own, tailpipe emissions are reduced to zero.
Getting Started
Lexus Hybrids never need to be plugged in. They recover and generate power while you drive, automatically recharging the Hybrid battery. When you’re ready to go, simply press the Power button, and your journey can begin.
Acceleration
Unlike some Hybrid systems, Lexus Hybrids are capable of operating with the gas engine only, electric motor only, or a seamless and extremely efficient combination of both. When you accelerate, the electric motor works on its own to drive the wheels. For rapid acceleration, or as you require more power to increase your speed, the gas engine assists the electric motor.
Cruising
A revolutionary Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controls the energy flow between the gas-powered combustion engine, advanced electric motor and high-capacity battery. When you reach your cruising speed, the power from the gas engine is split between the wheels and an electric generator that drives the electric motor. Excess energy used to recharge the Hybrid battery, minimizing energy waste.
Decelerating/Braking
The gas engine switches off immediately, stopping the creation of CO2 emissions, when you take your foot off the gas pedal or press the brake pedal. In response, the electric generator creates resistance to reduce the vehicle cruising speed. The electricity generated by this resistance is redirected to recharge the Hybrid battery.
Stopping
Stop – at a red light, for example. With only the electric motor active, your Lexus Hybrid is silent and emits no emissions. If the Hybrid battery is running low, the gas engine intuitively starts, generating the energy required to replenish the battery. This is just one of the reasons that Lexus Hybrids are up to 70% cleaner than gas burning engines and diesels.**
Even when stopped, you can run systems like air conditioning from the Hybrid battery. To avoid running down, the gas engine can intuitively start, generating the energy required to replenish the battery.
** Based on North American sales data and Federal Tier 2 engine emission standards.
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