Learn how a hybrid car's conventional engine and electric motor work together in different circumstances to give you the best possible mileage.
This is one of the main reasons why hybrid cars are more efficient for city driving than a conventional petrol car. The electric motor powers the car, drawing on the battery for the power. Typically, up to 15mph and in reverse the vehicle only ever uses the electrical motor for drive.
This is where the vehicle is at its most efficient. It is powered by the electric motor with the petrol engine off except to support the electric motor or convert excess power into electricity, which can be stored in the battery for later use.
Both the conventional engine and electric motors work together to increase power to the wheels. At the same time the petrol engine also powers the generator and the electric motor uses electricity from the battery and generator as needed.
When you brake or you take your foot off the accelerator, Toyota Hybrid cars use a clever system called ‘regenerative braking’. As the car no longer needs to apply power to the wheels it allows the spinning wheels to power the vehicle’s generator, which produces electricity and stores it in the battery for later use.
Both the conventional engine and electric motor turn off and the car switches to battery power to run everything it needs to – radio, air conditioning, lights etc.
