Toyota Prius Hybrid

One fine day, got myself bumped into this Toyota Prius while waiting for the traffic to turn green before I can proceed to my destination. I find this car seems to be noiseless at all even though when it starts moving. How I wish my car can be as silent as it can be. By the way, this is just some random pictures I got when I starts to get bored while I stuck in the traffic for a moment.

Proton Hybrid Concept car to revealed at Geneva on March 2010

PROTON HYBRID CONCEPT 

PROJECTOR HEADLAMP

Italdesign will put up one different photo of the new Proton Hybrid Concept that they will be jointly exhibiting at the Geneva Motorshow from the 2nd to 14th of March 2010. Today’s teaser image is quite obviously the projector headlamps for the car. What I really want to see is how the back of the concept car looks like – so far none of the teasers or even the initial full image have revealed this. We might just have to wait until the march @ Geneva to find out more about this concept car by Proton designed by Italdesign.

STYLISH FRONT GRILL

CUSTOM DESIGN SPORT RIM

SIDE TRIM

 CUSTOM DESIGNED FOG LAMP

Source by:
- http://paultan.org/2010/02/20/italdesign-teases-the-proton-hybrid-concept-day-2

Related Post on the Proton Hybrid Concept Car:
- http://paultan.org/2010/02/12/photo-of-new-proton-concept-appears-online/
- http://paultan.org/2010/02/12/more-details-on-protons-geneva-2010-concept-car/

Hybrid Battery/Charge/Braking Information

Introduction:
Hybrid batteries are responsible for supplying electrical power to the electric motor and the remaining accessories of the vehicle such as the air conditioner and the lighting system. The technology responsible for today's battery advancements have been the result of millions of dollars in research funding. Because of these advancements additional goals of auto manufacturers can be realized. One obstacle battery manufacturers have had is the ability to quickly recharge the battery. In the past if the battery was charged too fast it could explode or catch fire. Additionally, the rate in which the battery was charged at has directly relegated to how long the charge would last. Lithium-ion batteries addressed this issue by allowing accelerated rate of charging with limited damage to the battery.

Hybrid Battery Cut-away

The internal parts of the hybrid battery consist of many smaller cells connected together with an electrical framework. This framework determines which batteries to use and charge depending on the "state of charge" of the cell. Lithium-ion batteries have enabled manufacturers to achieve long awaited goals for battery charge rate and power output capabilities. Even the "lifetime" of these batteries has been extended mainly because in the shift from using lead to copper for the battery contents.

The charging system for the hybrid car is a combination between the combustion engine alternator, regenerative brake system or a "plug in" from an outside source.

Hybrid Engine/Motor/Drivetrain Information Part 2

Introduction:
Hybrid engines vary greatly between manufacturers even thought the theory is pretty much the same. Take an efficient petroleum based engine and couple it with a high output electric motor. Additionally design an operating system that can choose the most efficient power source to use depending on the vehicles situation. A gasoline engine
is more efficient at higher engine speeds, while the electric engine is more usable at low rpm. To determine which engine is to be used an integrated computer system is used to control all aspects of the power switch. In most cases the electric motor will start the car in motion, and then when it gets to cruising speed the combustion engine propels the vehicle. If the vehicle is designed with regenerative brakes it means when the brake are applied a progressive variable generator system is engaged. In some hybrids this generator effect is created by changing the electric motor current flow to produce electric power instead of consuming it. By controlling this generating action a user can vary the resistance via the brake pedal
creating more or less resistance.

Ford Hybrid Motor
The hybrid electric motor can vary depending on design. The ford Hybrid engine above is integrated into the transmission and is wide and stout. While the Honda hybrid engine (below) is thin and has a larger circumference and is located between the engine and transmission.

Honda Hybrid Motor
Hybrid transmission can vary also, the transmissions below works by centrifugal force, the faster the wheels spin the higher the gear ratio. Hybrid cars also have conventional 4 or 5 speed style of transmissions. The torque converter has been replaced by an electrically controlled coupler that can be engaged and disengaged. The electric motor has engine has three modes:

* Power Mode - This mode is used to propel the car forward. The motor timing is controlled to produce the most power for a particular application such as an aggressive take off versus a moderate acceleration mode.
* Free-Wheel Mode - This motor mode is used while the car is utilizing the internal combustion engine.
* Braking Mode - This mode is used while the brakes are applied. The car is slowed by causing the electric motor to produce electrical power.

Hybrid Engine Transmission

Hybrid Trans Cut Away

Information Every Car Driver Should Know

Getting the most from your gas?

It is no secret gas prices are up and putting a big pinch on our pocket books. Car maintenance and driving habits significantly affect fuel economy. Here are a few tips to help you get the most for your buck. First, check the air pressure in your car's tires. Most vehicle tire pressure recommendations are located on a sticker in the driver's door jam or on the side wall of the tire. While tire and car manufacturers recommend a prescribed tire pressure, it has been shown that slightly more tire pressure is optimal for achieving higher fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance. Some hybrid cars are manufactured with tires that can hold up to 55 P.S.I. as compared with the usual 32 P.S.I. For safety and better gas mileage always keep your tires properly inflated. Next, analyze your driving habits. Do you take off quickly from a stop? Try easing into the throttle and allow the vehicle to accelerate slowly. Observe the traffic and signals in front of you. If a stop is imminent release the gas pedal and allow the car to coast the remainder of the distance before using the brakes. Proper maintenance of your car's engine is essential for optimum performance. If your engine is misfiring it will decrease mileage. If the engine oil and filter changes have been neglected it will cause additional friction inside the engine and hinder the performance and gas mileage. Finally, remove all un-necessary objects from the car, added weight can decease mileage also inspect your engine service records and perform a tune up or oil change as recommended. Following these gas saving tips can increase your mileage and save you money.

Toyota Alphard Hybrid

Source by: http://www.hybrid-vehicles.net/toyota-alphard-hybrid-minivan.htm

The Toyota Alphard Hybrid Minivan is the sixth hybrid vehicle offered by Toyota (rolled out in 2003) and only in the Japanese market at this time.

The Toyota Alphard Hybrid Minivan sports the Toyota Hybrid System-CVT (or THS-C as they like to call it) including a 2.4-litre gasoline engine, front and rear electric motors, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), high-output hybrid battery pack and an E-Four electric four-wheel drive system.

According to Toyota, "The E-Four electric 4WD system provides better driving performance by using power from the rear-wheel drive motor to optimize electric power distribution to all four wheels according to driving conditions. It provides additional drive power when needed, such as when accelerating from a standing start or on slippery surfaces."

Packages Available
Water Hybrid Car Technology
Boost mileage 30% - 60%, reduce emissions, greenhouse gases and global warming.

Hydrogen on Demand Kit
Use this kit to convert your car to burn hydrogen and save gasoline & the environment.

Electric Car Conversion Plans
Stick It to the Oil Companies and Convert Your Car to an EV, Quickly, Easily and Cheaply.

Toyota goes on to say the it's the "E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control."

The full-size Alphard Hybrid Minivan qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving levels 75-percent lower emissions than the Japanese government's 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's hybrid systems and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.

The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology, that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power.

The Alphard Hybrid Minivan can generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with standard 100-volt AC power outlets, allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can also be used to recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.


The Alphard Hybrid also offers some advanced safety features not seen on other hybrids. In fact, standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades are ( with a G-BOOK compatible DVD voice navigation system):

1. Blind Corner Monitor, which indicates the approach of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and right
2. Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and voice-guidance function, which uses signals from a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse path during reversing and display it on the monitor screen
3. Lane-monitoring system that uses images from the Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral distance to white or yellow lines on major highways and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below a pre-set level
4. Radar Cruise Control, which uses laser radar sensors and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle's lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that a safe distance is maintained in accordance with vehicle speed

In addition, optional on all grades is a built-in electronic toll collection unit that allows for quick tollgate pass-through (only available with a navigation system).
The Alphard Hybrid achieves approximately 42 mpg and boasts an insulated body and newly developed two-way compressor that is incorporated in the motor to optimize the use of the air conditioner, conserving fuel. The Alphard Hybrid's specially developed windshield glass also reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration. In addition, the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.

While only available in Japan, the Toyota Alphard Hybrid Minivan is worth checking out for those traveling to this location. The Alphard's sister vehicle, the Sienna Hybrid will most likely be the first hybrid minivan introduced into the U. S. marketplace though the schedule has not yet been announced. Toyota's smaller hybrid minivan, the Estima Hybrid is also only in Japanese markets and will likely not be rolled out to the larger marketplace anytime soon.