Technologies behind hybrid SUVs

There are lots of hybrid vehicles on the market. Many companies have given their own name for the hybrid technology they have developed for their cars or SUVs. We will see a few of them in a list.Remember that this list will continue.

The hybrid SUV Jargon:

Full hybrid ::
This term is used when the SUV can launch at low speeds without consuming hardly any gasoline. The Toyota, Lexus and Ford hybrids belong to this genre while Honda hybrids are not. Some of GM hybrids are full hybrids.


Mild hybrid ::
Mild hybrids should be self explanatory from full hybrids. These type of hybrid SUVs/cars will require use of Gasoline to start and attain even low speeds.


Remember that both full and mild hybrids have to use gasoline at higher speeds.

Mild hybrid vehicles can be subcategorized . GMC uses a Start/Stop type hybrid system in which the SUV/car gasoline engine becomes idle at times and can be started at the instant of demand. The Integrated Starter Alternator with Damping (ISAD) hybrid system powers the electric motor system to move the hybrid vehicle rather than just giving a start or stop capability. The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system is also a similar technology regarding mild hybrids which helps in movement using electric technology other than simple start/stop. But this differs that it uses a yet more powerfull engine for the electric part making it prominent.

Parallel hybrids::

It is the most commonly used hybrid technology in which both electric and gasoline engine simultaneously power the transmission of the SUV/car.

Series hybrids:

In series hybrid SUVs or cars, the gasoline engine turns a generator, and the generator in turn either charge the batteries or power an electric motor that drives the transmission.

Thus a direct involvement of gasoline engine in transmission does not take place. Toyota Prius Hybrid SUV is a mix of both series and parallel systems.

Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (PHEV)::

These are the hybrid cars/Suvs in which batteries are connected to a electric power source in order to recharge using some plugs. GMC uses this technology.

HSD ( Hybrid Synergy Drive ) ::
The hybrid synergy drive includes a set of technologies developed by Toyota for their hybrid suvs. These technologies are used in Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Lexus GS 450h, and Lexus LS 600h/LS 600hL till now.