www.fueleconomy.gov buttonbanner graphic: orange to gray bar
Hybrid button Full Hybrid button highlighted Stop/Start buttonbanner graphic: blue bar
subbanner graphic: gray barOverview ButtonStarting buttonLow Speed button highlightedCruising buttonPassing buttonBraking buttonStopped button

LOW SPEED

For initial acceleration and slow-speed driving, as well as reverse, the electric motor uses electricity from the battery to power the vehicle.

If the battery needs to be recharged, the generator starts the engine and converts energy from the engine into electricity, which is stored in the battery.
stage graphic: vertical blue rule
Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.
Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.
Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.
Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.
Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.Gasoline Engine: Status is OFF,The gasoline engine in a hybrid is much like those in conventional vehicles, except that it is usually much smaller and more efficient.Generator: The generator converts mechanical energy from the engine to electricity which can be used by the electric motor or stored in the battery. It is also used to start the gasoline engine instantly when needed.
Power Split Device: The power split device is a gearbox connecting the gasoline engine, generator, and electric motor. It allows the engine and motor to power the car independently or in tandem and allows the gasoline engine to charge the batteries or provide power to the wheels as needed. Electric Motor: The electric motor powers the vehicle at low speeds and assists the gasoline engine when additional power is needed. It also converts otherwise wasted energy from braking into electricity and stores it in the battery.
Gasoline Engine: Status is OFF, The gasoline engine in a hybrid is much like those in conventional vehicles, except that it is usually much smaller and more efficient.Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.
Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels.
Rollover area: Rollover teh hybrid components to get more information.
Footer area: Logos for the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency