The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder was unveiled earlier this month in India, and now its sister SUV, the Maruti Grand Vitara, has also been unveiled. It is no secret that both SUVs will be manufactured at Toyota’s Karnataka plant and will share the same platform, engine, features, and build quality. Both SUVs are powered by two Hybrid Systems: a mild hybrid system from Maruti Suzuki and a Strong hybrid system from Toyota. Maruti Suzuki’s Mild Hybrid Technology has already been seen in the Brezza 2022, Ertiga and XL6 and Ciaz, but what is the Strong Hyrbird Technology that we will see in these Mid-sized SUVs?
The Self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV) technology, also known as “Strong Hybrid Technology,” combines a gasoline engine(petrol engine) with an electric motor. The vehicle can be driven using only its electric power or with both the engine and the electric motor working together. This technology allows cars to charge themselves.
Electricity is generated while driving the car, and it is captured from the energy released when you brake or slow down. When the vehicle is cruising, this kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in a battery. When the vehicle requires more power, the stored electrical energy is released to assist the vehicle. The power control unit regulates this process at very short intervals.
The benefit of these self-charging vehicles is that they can drive in electric mode up to 60% of the time, reducing carbon emissions while increasing fuel efficiency. They require little maintenance and are as simple to drive as any other car, making them an excellent choice for everyday use.
Steps involved in Strong HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
Step 1 : Vehicle starting-off
This is the first step in which the vehicle is propelled solely by the electric motor. The energy stored in the battery pack is used to power the electric motor during low-speed cruising. A true electric drive that provides instant acceleration.When a Self-charging Hybrid Electric Vehicle starts-off, the car’s electric motor delivers instant torque, once you put your foot to the pedal.
Step 2 : Regular Driving ( Hybrid Driving )
This step entails making the best use of the engine and the electric motor to provide optimum performance and spontaneous acceleration by combining the power of both the petrol engine and the battery pack. The combined power output results in a strong drive. Here The electric motor does the majority of the work, and the engine only assists.
Step 3: Full Acceleration ( Engine Drive )
This is one of the most crucial steps in technology. In this step, an engine drive makes use of the IC engine to help you cruise through your journeys while also charging the battery.
Step 4: Deceleration ( Regenerative Braking )
This entails The engine taking a break and the electric motor assists in battery recharge. It maximises energy efficiency by using regenerative braking to recharge the Li-ion battery. When you brake or coast, the generator converts kinetic energy efficiently into electrical energy. It is then stored in the battery for later use, ensuring that you keep on going no matter any distance.
Fuel Efficient Compared to a normal engine?
Now that we’ve learned about self-charging hybrid technology, how does it result in low fuel consumption? The most fuel-efficient technology is self-charging hybrid electric vehicles. They operate in electric mode(EV mode) at slow speeds or in stop-and-go traffic. This is because they are entirely powered by their hybrid battery during this time. Self-charging Hybrid Electric Vehicles operate in electric mode for up to 60% of the time, consuming less fuel and improving fuel efficiency. Even when it is powered by an engine, its advanced technology uses less fuel, giving you more bang for your buck.
Advantages of Self-charging Hybrid Electric Technology
As a powerful and eco-advanced technology, it offers a silent and smooth drive with instant power which has numerous advantages, as listed below:
- Ability to run on EV mode
- Delivers a very high fuel efficiency
- Emission levels that are well below the specified limit
- No external charging is required.
- Responsive power & a quieter yet sustainable drive.