Lexus Hybrid Drive

Starting and Take-off

• Only the electric motors are used to initiate start-up and driving at low speeds.
• As the vehicle moves off, power is sent from the battery to the electronic control unit.
• The electronic control unit sends power to the front and rear electric motors.

Cruising

• At cruising speeds, the front wheels are driven by the engine and the motors.
• A power split device splits engine power between the wheels and the electric generator. The power distribution is controlled for maximum efficiency.
• The generator sends power to the front motors, and when necessary, recharges the battery using surplus power.

Accelerating

• The engine provides power as it would when cruising, but receives additional power from the front and rear motors.
• Engine power is also directed to the generator, which is able to redirect surplus power to electronic control unit.

Regenerative Braking and Battery Power

• Kinetic energy produced during braking is captured and sent to the electric motors.
• The kinetic energy is sent as electrical energy from both motors to the electronic control unit.
• Electric energy is then returned to the battery from the electronic control unit.