The ins and outs of Toyota hybrid systems

Ever since the introduction of the Orlando Toyota Prius back in 1997, hybrid vehicles have been taking to the streets in large numbers. Helping people save money at the pump and helping keep things green is what these cars are all about. But, how exactly do they work? What kinds of drivetrains do they use? And how many different types of hybrids are there? To help you become a more informed driver and buyer, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide on hybrid vehicles!

The 411 on Orlando Toyota hybrid vehicles

Essentially, hybrid cars can be classified as “hybrid” if they have an electric motor and a gasoline engine. These two powertrains work together to deliver a driving experience that uses energy from a large battery pack that recharges the gasoline engine and recouped energy from the brakes. Electric powered motors in many Orlando Toyota hybrid vehicles are great at accelerating and they actually produce their maximum power from a dead stop. Hybrid systems typically use the majority of their electric power at lower speeds, usually resulting in better city gas mileage compared to highway mileage.

There are several different types of Orlando Toyota hybrid vehicles that all provide different capabilities and fuel efficiency grades:

Parallel Hybrid

Parallel hybrid cars use a design that allows both the gas and electric motors to drive the wheels independently of one another. Essentially, this allows for a fully electric or fully internal combustion powered driving experience.

Series Hybrid

Series hybrids are designed to use the electric motor to power the wheels and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the car once the battery has run out of reserved power.

Full Hybrid

Full Orlando Toyota hybrid vehicles are fairly common on the road, in fact the Toyota Prius is one of them! These cars use electricity at low speeds with gentle throttles and for a limited time. They then transition to gasoline after electric power is exhausted.

Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-ins can be charged from being plugged into the wall at your home or from a hybrid specific charging station. They typically have a fully electric range of 10 – 35 miles and afterwards switch to a typical hybrid operation. This type of charging can be applied to both series and parallel hybrid models.

Orlando Toyota hybrid vehicles typically use a nickel-metal hydride battery as part of their hybrid system. Most auto manufacturers warranty their hybrid vehicle batteries up to 150,000 miles. If the battery becomes defective after the warranty period, a battery replacement could cost up to $3,000. But, don’t let that frighten you! Orlando Toyota hybrid cars are actually easy to maintain and could even cost less on your auto service bill than your typical gasoline powered car.

Shop hybrid vehicles at Toyota of Orlando

If you’re thinking of going green for your next ride, then come to Toyota of Orlando! We have a great selection of hybrid Toyota cars just begging to be test driven. We’re open seven days a week and located at 3575 Vineland Road.