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This month's Toyota e-bulletin has some timely "information" (some might call it propoganda) regarding hybrid technologies - now and in the future. You'll notice in the article that the only technologies with negatives are ones that Toyota does not currently employ (Mild Hybrids, Series Hybrids, Plug-Ins, and Li-ion batteries). It does provide mostly good and accurate, though biased, information. You can check out the whole Toyota eBulletin here (caution: pdf link).
Current And Future Hybrid Technology:
What's In It For Consumers?
As the mainstreaming of hybrid technology accelerates, and the price of oil hits record highs, Toyota factories churn out hybrids in an array of vehicle segments. And at the same time, Toyota engineers aggressively research near- and long-term solutions, from plugin hybrids to advanced batteries to fuel cells.
In the not-too-distant-future, a large portion of vehicles will employ a hybrid powertrain of some description. In this fast-changing landscape, here's a quick overview of current and near-future hybrid technologies, along with their advantages and disadvantages to consumers.
• Parallel hybrids have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, which both power the vehicle, sometimes separately or in combination. Most hybrids currently sold in North America are parallel, including all Toyota and Lexus hybrids.
- Advantages for consumers: As illustrated by the more than 1 million Toyota hybrids on the road worldwide, parallel hybrids are proven, reliable, easy to use and widely accepted by consumers. Operation is nearly indistinguishable from current conventional vehicles, with the bonus
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