By installing hybrid powertrains, automakers achieve several goals. First, it is the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which is the source of greenhouse effect on the planet and lead to global warming. Secondly, reducing the cost of fuel, which are borne by car owners. And thirdly, an increase in the dynamics of acceleration of the car due to two sources of torque.
The first two advantages are achieved due to the possibility of moving on electric traction (especially in modes where the efficiency of the internal combustion engine is low), the braking energy recovery mode (braking by an electric motor that operates in generator mode, generating electricity to recharge the battery), acceleration using the internal combustion engine and electric motor, turning off the internal combustion engine during short stops (start-stop systems).
Structurally, all this happens in different ways, so the resulting effect is also different.
Hybrid classification
The generally accepted classification of hybrids implies three types: series, parallel, and series-parallel.
- design in which the engine internal combustion(petrol or diesel) only drives the generator. The internal combustion engine in this scheme operates in the maximum fuel economy mode. The electricity generated by the generator is supplied either to the traction motor or to battery. The electric motor in this scheme transmits the required torque to the wheels through the transmission, and in the braking mode it works as a generator, recharging the battery (brake energy recovery mode). Such hybrids are marked with the abbreviation REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) or EREV (extended-range electric vehicle).
This design has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of this scheme are Full time job ICE in the most economical mode, ease of operation and the absence of a complex transmission. Of the minuses, it should be noted the low efficiency of the mechanism for transferring energy from the internal combustion engine to the driving wheels of the car. This design is used in the BMW i3 REx, Cadillac ELR sports coupe and Chevrolet Volt 2015 model year, as well as in buses with hybrid power plants, for example Toyota Coaster hybrid.
Parallel design armed with an internal combustion engine and a traction electric motor, which are connected to the driving wheels of the car. The electric motor is powered by a battery. Because the torque from input shaft can be directly transmitted to the wheels of the car, the coefficient useful action such a hybrid is higher. This scheme uses one or two electric motors (generator + traction motor). In the first case, the electric motor can operate both in the generator mode and in the traction motor. But in such a scheme, the transmission design is rather complicated, because the torque must be transmitted to the wheels from both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. In addition, the internal combustion engine cannot operate in economy mode all the time. This design of power units have Honda models– Civic Hybrid, Insight and CR-Z.
Series-parallel design hybrid power plant combines both of the above schemes. Thanks to this combined scheme succeeded in obtaining the advantages of both systems. In this case, there is both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, and, depending on the driving conditions, the car can drive either only on electric traction (up to 1.5–2.0 km), or only on traction from the internal combustion engine, or the wheels can also receive motive energy from ICE, and from an electric motor. At Toyota's power plant Toyota Hybrid System uses a planetary power flow (torque) divider, which comes from an internal combustion engine and can be flexibly changed, transferring part of the energy to the generator, and part to the wheels of the car. The electricity generated in this case can immediately go both to power the power motor and to recharge the batteries. This design has been implemented in a number of Toyota models, including the Prius, Yaris Hybrid, Auris Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, as well as Lexus models– CT 200h, IS 300h, GS 300h, GS 450h.
The combined hybrid is also used in all-wheel drive models. But in them the wheels of the front axle are driven by the above described combined system, as in front wheel drive models, and for wheel drive rear axle a separate motor is used. This design is much simpler, without a complex transmission with cardan gears and reducers. It is applied in all-wheel drive SUVs, for example, in Toyota Highlander Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid.
Plug-in hybrids
It used to be thought that hybrids could only recharge themselves when the electric motor was running in generator mode (during brake energy regeneration, while driving in engine braking mode, etc.). But Toyota was among the first to go further and make the Prius rechargeable. These hybrids are called plug-in hybrid(Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, PHEV). They have high-capacity batteries on board (Toyota has lithium-ion instead of nickel-metal hydride), which can be recharged from a household power outlet. Therefore, the plug-in hybrid can only travel on electric power over long distances - not 1.5-2.0 km. and from 20 to 80 km and more.
Why do we want to discuss with you the question of how it works hybrid engine? The thing is that in most areas of our life today there is an interaction of various technologies, which as a result give more effective methods, devices and mechanisms. The engines for our beloved vehicle did not stand aside either. We will talk about the principles of operation, the pros and cons of such units on this page.
How a hybrid engine works - in simple words about new technologies
If we have already begun about mixing technologies, then we should explain how this also applies to the topic we have touched on. The hybrid engine also combines two types: fuel (gasoline / diesel) and electric. This cocktail, of course, is imperfect, but it has brought a lot of positive things to the life of motorists. But more on that below, but first you need to disassemble the principle of operation of a hybrid engine.
The fuel part of such a motor can work together with the electric one, but it is also possible to implement completely independent cycles. Of course, cars with a hybrid engine are equipped with computers that correctly distribute the load on both parts. So, outside the city, where the power of the power unit is important, gasoline or diesel technology, besides, exhaust gases are not so detrimental to humans on the highway.
But in the city, the electrical component mainly works, because this option is cleaner and more economical. Cars with a hybrid engine are able to serve themselves, this applies to the electrical part of the motor. The electrical component does not idle while the fuel one is working, it accumulates the generated energy in order to use it again later.
Situations are not ruled out when both elements of the engine work simultaneously, for example, during acceleration, when the car requires large power costs.
Hybrid engine device - circuit description
What does a hybrid engine mean, we briefly analyzed. Now I would like to go a little deeper and consider its scheme. It should be noted that there are as many as three of them. Therefore, let's start with the simplest, which is of the least interest to us - this is a sequential hybrid. The electric motor is the main participant in the launch and movement of the wheels of the vehicle, but the (ICE) is only supported by it, it spins the generator.
For today's car, such a hybrid engine device will not be the best option, after all, capacious batteries, small-capacity internal combustion engines are required, and the car itself will be slow and clumsy. Although there are still some representatives among the car fleet, for example, ChevroletVolt. But because of the dominant electrical component, it has all the disadvantages of electric vehicles, take at least the dependence of mileage on a single battery charge, but this is gradually being solved by using a turbo-ICE.
The following circuits are called parallel and mixed. The mixed scheme is most often found in Lexus and is a close interaction between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. They work together, setting the car in motion, the principle of operation is built in such a way that even the transmission is stepless, far from what we are used to. Such options are very modern, but also very expensive.
But the scheme we are used to is called parallel and is quite common. The electric motor here is, though not leading, but indispensable assistant, insuring the internal combustion engine in cases of need for additional power. Batteries are not large and capacious, which makes them easy to charge while driving, and they are always ready to respond on demand.
Hybrid car - pros and cons
The information would be incomplete without indicating the positive and negative sides hybrid motors. Of course, there will be more pluses, but there are also minuses, as in everything new and little studied by the consumer. For example, for some reason, the most common hybrid Gas engine, although everyone has long known the economy and big power"diesels". But there is no secret here, because, firstly, the technology was developed overseas, i.e. in America, and there they are still poorly familiar with diesel fuel. Secondly, a hybrid would cost even more, although the price of such technologies is already far above average.
A little skepticism is caused by hybrids due to the electric motor, i.e. its batteries. This is a rather capricious element that requires permanent operation, otherwise the service life of the hybrid engine will be significantly reduced precisely because of it. It does not tolerate temperature extremes, it can self-discharge, and in the future there are ambiguities with its disposal.. Also, a shadow on the reputation of mixed motors is imposed not only by their high cost, but also by the high cost of components and repairs, if necessary. And it's impossible to do it on your own.
Well, now we can talk about pleasant things. We can safely talk about environmental friendliness and economy, this is true, at least based on the dual nature of the unit. The presence of a battery allows you to drive longer without refueling, saving everything technical indicators up to date. This battery does not need to be charged, the car is refueled only with fuel. The engine, thanks to the computer, always works in optimal mode no matter how you try to "rape" him. Sometimes such cars can move without fuel at all, and they are also distinguished by their low speed, the engine is barely audible.
How it works, consider the example of Touareg, with a hybrid powertrain.
What does the term "hybrid technology" mean?
The term "hybrid" originates from the Latin word hybrida, and means something crossed, or mixed. In engineering, a hybrid is a system in which two different technologies. In connection with drive concepts, the term hybrid drive technology is used to refer to two directions: bivalent (or dual-fuel) power unit hybrid powertrain
When hybrid technology drive it is a combination of two different power units, the operation of which is based on different principles actions. Currently, hybrid drive technology means a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor-generator (electric machine). This electric machine can be used as a generator to generate electrical energy, a traction motor to drive a car, and a starter to start an internal combustion engine. Depending on the execution of the main structure, three types of hybrid power unit are distinguished: the so-called. "microhybrid" power unit, the so-called. "medium hybrid" power unit, the so-called. "full hybrid" powertrain.
"Micro-hybrid" powertrain
In this drive concept, the electrical component (starter/alternator) is exclusively used to implement the start-stop function. Part of the kinetic energy can be used again as electrical energy (recuperation). Drive only from electric traction is not provided. The parameters of the 12 volt fiberglass battery are adapted to frequent engine starts.
"Medium hybrid" drive
The electric drive supports the operation of the internal combustion engine. The movement of the car only on electric traction is impossible. With a "mid-hybrid" drive, most of the kinetic energy during braking is regenerated and stored as electrical energy in a high-voltage battery. The high voltage battery as well as the electrical components are designed for higher electrical voltage and thus more high power. Thanks to the support of the electric motor-generator, the working mode heat engine can be shifted to the region of maximum efficiency. This is referred to as load point displacement.
"Full hybrid" powertrain
A powerful electric motor-generator is combined with an internal combustion engine. Only electric drive is possible. The electric motor generator, if conditions permit, supports the operation of the internal combustion engine. Movement from low speed carried out only on electric traction. The Startstop function for the internal combustion engine has been implemented. Recovery is used to charge the high voltage battery. Thanks to the decoupling clutch between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor-generator, it is possible to ensure the separation of both systems. The internal combustion engine is connected to work only when necessary.
Fundamentals of hybrid technology
Full hybrid powertrain systems are divided into three subgroups: parallel hybrid powertrain, split powertrain (with split power flows), and series hybrid powertrain.
Parallel hybrid powertrain
Parallel execution of the hybrid power unit is simple. It is used when it is necessary to "hybridize" existing car. The internal combustion engine, electric motor generator and gearbox are located on the same axis. Typically, a parallel hybrid powertrain system uses a single electric motor/generator. The sum of the unit power of the internal combustion engine and the power of the electric motor-generator corresponds to full power. This concept provides a high degree of borrowing components and parts old car. At four-wheel drive vehicles with a parallel hybrid powertrain, all four wheels are driven by a Torsen differential and transfer case.
Separate hybrid drive
The split hybrid drive system has an electric motor generator in addition to the internal combustion engine. Both engines are located under the hood. The torque of the internal combustion engine, as well as from the electric motor-generator, through planetary gear supplied to the vehicle's gearbox. In contrast to a parallel hybrid drive, it is not possible to extract the sum of the individual powers for wheel drive in this way. The generated power is partly spent on driving the car, partly, in the form of electrical energy, accumulates in a high-voltage battery.
Series hybrid powertrain
The car is equipped with an internal combustion engine, a generator and an electric motor-generator. However, unlike both of the previously described concepts, the internal combustion engine does not have the ability to independently drive the car through a shaft, or through a gearbox. Power from the internal combustion engine is not transferred to the wheels. The main drive of the car is carried out by an electric motor generator. If the capacity of the high-voltage battery is too low, the internal combustion engine starts. The internal combustion engine charges the high-voltage battery through the generator. The electric motor generator can again be powered by the high voltage battery.
Separate sequential hybrid powertrain
The split series hybrid powertrain is a mixed form of the two hybrid drives described above. The car is equipped with one internal combustion engine and two electric motors-generators. The internal combustion engine and the first electric motor generator are located under the hood. The second electric motor generator is located on the rear axle. This concept is used for all-wheel drive vehicles. The internal combustion engine and the first electric motor generator can drive the vehicle's gearbox through a planetary gear. And in this case, the rule applies, according to which single drive powers cannot be taken for wheel drive in the form of total power. A second electric motor generator on the rear axle is activated when needed. In connection with this design of the drive, the high-voltage battery is located between both axles of the vehicle.
Other terms and definitions Other terms and definitions often used in connection with hybrid drive technology will be briefly explained here.
Recovery. IN general case this term in engineering means a way to return energy. During recuperation, the available energy of one type is converted into another, used in the subsequent form of energy. The potential chemical energy of the fuel is converted in the transmission into kinetic energy. If the car is braked by a conventional brake, then the excess kinetic energy is converted into heat energy through the friction of the brakes. The resulting heat is dissipated in the surrounding space, and therefore it is impossible to use it in the future.
If, on the contrary, as with hybrid drive technology, in addition to the classic brakes, the generator is used as an engine brake, then part of the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and thus becomes available for subsequent use. Energy balance car is improving. This kind of regenerative braking is called regenerative braking.
As soon as the vehicle speed is reduced by decelerating by depressing the brake pedal in over idle mode, or the vehicle is coasting or the vehicle is moving downhill c The hybrid drive system includes an electric motor-generator and uses it as a generator.
In this case, it charges the high-voltage battery. So in forced idle mode
running, it becomes possible to "refuel" cars with an electric hybrid drive with electricity.
When the car is coasting, the electric motor-generator, operating in generator mode,
converts from motion energy into electrical energy only such an amount of energy that
required for the operation of the 12 volt on-board network.
Electric motor-generator (electric machine)
The term motor-generator, or electric machine, is used instead of the terms generator, electric motor, and starter. In principle, any electric motor can also be used as a generator. If the motor shaft is driven by an external drive, then the motor, like a generator, generates electrical energy. If electrical energy is supplied to the electric machine, then it works like an electric motor. Thus, the electric motor generator of electric hybrid vehicles replaces the conventional combustion engine starter as well as the conventional generator (lighting generator).
Electric booster (E-boost)
By analogy with the Kickdown function of internal combustion engines, which makes available maximum power engine, the hybrid drive has the function of the electric accelerator E-Boost. When using the function, the motor-generator and combustion engine deliver their maximum individual powers, which add up to more than high value total power. The sum of the individual powers of both types of engines corresponds to the total power of the transmission.
Due to power losses in the electric motor-generator, its power in the generator mode is lower than in the mode traction motor. The power of the electric motor-generator in the engine mode is 34 kW. The power of the electric motor-generator in generator mode is 31 kW. In the Touareg with hybrid drive, the internal combustion engine has an output of 245 kW and the electric motor-generator has an output of 31 kW. In traction motor mode, the electric motor-generator produces 34 kW of power. Together, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor-generator in the traction motor mode develop a total power of 279 kW.
Start-stop function
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The hybrid drive technology makes it possible to implement the Start-Stop function in this vehicle design. When ordinary car with Start-Stop, the vehicle must come to a stop in order to switch off the combustion engine (example: Passat BlueMotion). However, an all-hybrid vehicle can also run on electric power. This feature allows the StartStop system to shut off the internal combustion engine when the vehicle is moving or coasting. The internal combustion engine is switched on depending on the need. This may happen in case fast acceleration, when moving to high speed, with a high load, or at high degree low voltage battery. When the high-voltage battery is highly discharged, the hybrid drive system can use the internal combustion engine in combination with the motor generator in generator mode to charge the high-voltage battery. In other cases, a full hybrid vehicle may run on electric power. The internal combustion engine is in stop mode. This is also true in the case of slow moving traffic, stopping at a traffic light, when driving in overrun mode downhill, or when the vehicle is coasting. When an internal combustion engine is not running, it does not consume fuel or emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. The start-stop function integrated into the hybrid drive system increases the vehicle's efficiency and environmental friendliness. While the combustion engine is in stop mode, the air conditioner can continue to operate. Compressor air conditioner is an element of the high-voltage system. |
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Arguments in favor of hybrid technology
Why do we combine an electric motor-generator with an internal combustion engine? To take off the torque, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine must not be lower than the idling speed. When stopped, the engine cannot deliver torque. With an increase in the rotational speed of an internal combustion engine, its torque increases. The electric motor generator with the first revolutions produces the maximum torque. It does not have an idle speed. As the speed increases, its torque decreases. Thanks to the operation of the electric motor-generator, the most difficult operating mode is excluded from the internal combustion engine: in the range below idle speed. Thanks to the support of the electric motor-generator, the internal combustion engine can be operated in more efficient modes. This displacement of the load point increases the efficiency of the power unit.
Why use a full hybrid powertrain (drive)?
Full hybrid unit, unlike other hybrid drive options, combines the function of the integrated Start-Stop system, the E-Boost system, the recuperation function and the possibility of driving only on the electric motor (electric traction mode).
Electric motor-generator
The electric motor-generator is located between the internal combustion engine and the automatic transmission. He is synchronous motor three-phase current. With the help of force electronic module constant pressure 288 V is converted into three-phase alternating voltage. Three-phase voltage creates a three-phase electromagnetic field in the electric motor-generator.
high voltage battery
Access to the high voltage battery is provided through the floor covering luggage compartment. It is designed as a module and includes various components of the Touareg high-voltage system. The high voltage battery module has a mass of 85 kg and can only be replaced as an assembly.
The high-voltage battery cannot be compared with a conventional 12V battery. normal mode operation, the high-voltage battery is activated in the free range of the charge level from 20% to 85%. A conventional 12 volt battery is unable to carry such loads for a long time. Therefore, a high-voltage battery should be considered as an operational energy storage device for an electric drive. Like a capacitor, it can store and release electrical energy again. In principle, recuperation, energy regeneration, can be considered as the possibility of refueling a car with energy while driving. The use of a high-voltage battery in a hybrid vehicle is characterized by alternating cycles of charging (recovery) and discharging (driving on electric drive) high voltage battery.
Example: If we compare the energy of a high-voltage battery with the energy generated by burning fuel, then the amount of energy that the battery can produce will correspond to about 200 ml of fuel. This example demonstrates that on the path to electric vehicles, batteries need to be significantly upgraded in terms of their ability to store energy.
In recent years, people began to seriously think about the ecology of the planet. And automakers are willing to support this trend by creating vehicles that run on environmentally friendly fuels. As for electric vehicles, after all, they are not yet seriously considered. What can not be said about hybrid cars, which are becoming increasingly popular.
What's happened hybrid car. Pros and cons of a hybrid.
What is a hybrid car? The word hybrid comes from the Latin "hybrida", which means a mixture. That is, an organism that is obtained by crossing genetically different parental forms. In our case, the parent forms are , and the electric motor. In one sentence: a hybrid car is a vehicle powered by an electric motor-combustion engine system that is highly economical. This unit can be powered by both traditional fuel and electricity from batteries.
Each of the engines has its own specific function. For example: if the car is standing, for example, in a traffic jam, or moving slowly, the electric motor will work. When the car picks up speed, the gasoline engine comes into play.
Advantages of hybrid cars
The main advantage of hybrid cars is that they are very economical. As a rule, their fuel consumption is 25% less than conventional cars. And in the face of ever-rising gasoline prices, this item is the most important.
The next most important point is environmental friendliness. Hybrids do less damage to our ecosystem than ordinary cars. This is achieved by more rational fuel consumption. Also, when the car comes to a complete stop, the gasoline engine stops working, giving the initiative to the electric motor. That is, during stops, carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere practically do not occur.
Unlike EV batteries, in hybrids, Batteries can be recharged from a gasoline engine. Which makes its power reserve quite large. In addition, it lasts longer without refueling with gasoline.
Many people think that hybrids, in terms of performance, are much inferior traditional cars. This is wrong. All required characteristics(power, acceleration from zero to a hundred, and so on), they are no worse.
The best thing, hybrid cars feel in the urban cycle, in which there are very frequent stops and the engine runs a lot idling. Practically, in the city it works like an electric car. If speak about combined cycle, they have no special advantages here.
Toyota Prius- the most popular "hybrid" in Russia. As already mentioned, if the car is stationary, then it goes into the mode of operation of the electric motor. That gives almost complete noiselessness.
Well, a hybrid car is refueled with conventional hydrocarbons, i.e. petrol. Everything is carried out in a standard way, as with traditional cars.
Cons of hybrid cars
Nothing is perfect, and here too there are disadvantages. And the main one is that the repair of hybrid cars is an order of magnitude more expensive than the repair of a car with a traditional configuration. This is explained by the complexity of the design of the engine device.
Also, due to the complexity in the design, it is difficult to find professionals who can repair the engine.
Batteries that are equipped with hybrids can self-discharge. In addition, they do not withstand large temperature fluctuations, and their service life is rather limited.
In addition, it is not yet known how used batteries affect the environment. Therefore, their disposal is a problem.
Despite the fact that hybrid cars still have more advantages, they are not yet popular in Russia. One of the reasons for this is the price. The cost of the most popular, in our country, Toyota hybrid Prius, is from 1,200,000 rubles. And this car is the cheapest hybrid. Also, for the mass buyer they plan to release Russian development hybrid car, the so-called "Yo-Mobile". Its price can be from 350,000 rubles. However, this project was closed.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the most powerful hybrid vehicle to date. In connection with the fight for the environment, buyers around the world are encouraged to purchase hybrids. So, in the USA there are a number of tax incentives for owners of such cars, and even free parking spaces. Our country is also going to introduce similar laws. In particular, the reduction of duties on the import of hybrid cars.
Engines running on hydrocarbons will slowly but surely lose their positions. And hybrids are one of those steps. However, as long as their prices remain at the same level, the demand for them will be small.
The hybrid car is not a new invention. The first step towards the creation of hybrid Vehicle, was made in 1665 when Ferdinand Verbiest, a Jesuit priest, began work on plans for a simple four wheeled vehicle that could be powered by steam or horse drawn. The first cars with a hybrid engine appeared at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Moreover, some developers have managed to move from projects to small-scale production. Starting in 1897 and over the next 10 years, the French Compagnie Parisienne des Voitures Electriques produced a batch of electric and hybrid vehicles. In 1900 General Electric designed a 4-cylinder hybrid car gasoline engine. And the "hybrid" trucks left the assembly line of the Walker Vehicle Company of Chicago until 1940.
Of course, these were only prototypes and small-scale cars. Now, however, an acute shortage of oil and the economic crisis have spurred the development of hybrid engines. Now let's take a closer look at what a hybrid engine is and what is the use of it? A hybrid engine is a system of two engines - electric and gasoline. Depending on the operating modes, both petrol and electric can be switched on simultaneously or separately. This process is controlled by a powerful computer, which decides what should work right now. So, when driving along the tracks, the gasoline engine is turned on, since the battery on the track will not last long. If the car is moving in urban mode, then an electric motor is already used, during acceleration or heavy loads both work. While the petrol engine is running, the battery is being charged. Such an engine, even taking into account the fact that a gasoline engine is used in the system, allows to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere by 90% and at the same time, gasoline consumption in the city is significantly reduced (only a gasoline engine works on the highway, so there is no savings there). 
Let's start with how the car moves off. At the beginning of the movement and at low speeds, only the battery and electric motors are involved. The energy stored in the battery goes to the energy center, which, in turn, sends it to the electric motors, making the car move smoothly and silently. After picking up speed, the internal combustion engine is connected to work, and the moment on the drive wheels is supplied simultaneously from electric motors and internal combustion engines. In this case, part of the energy of the internal combustion engine goes to the generator, and now it feeds the electric motors, and gives off the excess of its energy to the battery, which has lost part of the energy reserve at the beginning of the movement. When driving in normal mode, only front-wheel drive, in all others - complete. In the acceleration mode, the torque to the wheels comes mainly from the gasoline engine, and the electric motors, if necessary, increase the dynamics, complement the internal combustion engine. One of the most interesting moments- braking. The car's electronic "brains" decide when to engage the hydraulic brake system, and when regenerative braking, preferring the latter. That is, at the moment the brake pedal is pressed, they transfer the electric motors to the “generator” mode of operation, and they create a braking torque on the wheels, generating electricity and feeding the battery through the energy center. This is the highlight of the “hybrid”. 
IN classic cars braking energy is completely lost, leaving as heat through brake discs and other details. The use of braking energy is especially effective in urban areas, when you often have to brake at traffic lights. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) integrates and manages all active safety systems.
One of the first successful cars equipped with a hybrid engine, which went to the masses, was developed by Toyota "Toyota Prius", consuming 3.2 liters of gasoline per 100 km (in the city). Also Toyota released an SUV with a hybrid Lexus engine RX400h. The cost of such a car, depending on the configuration, ranges from 68 to 77 thousand dollars. It should be noted that the first Toyota versions Prius were inferior to cars of the same class both in speed and power, but the Lexus RX400h is no longer inferior to its classmates in either speed or power. 
Leading automobile concerns world have also turned their attention to hybrid engines as a solution to the problem of fuel economy and pollution environment. So Volvo company Group announced the creation of a hybrid engine for trucks, tractors, semi-trailers and buses. The company's developers expect that their brainchild will allow you to get 35% fuel savings.
With all this, it must be said that hybrid cars "with a bang", so far, have gone only in North America (Canada and the USA). And in America, the demand for them is growing more and more, since there recent years cars that consumed a lot of fuel were popular, and since fuel began to rise sharply and steeply in price, the Americans sharply thought about saving it and, as a solution to the problem, it was cars with hybrid engines that began to be used. In Europe, the appearance of hybrid engines was taken calmly, since there they drive an economical and more environmentally friendly than a gasoline engine, the good old diesel. Unlike the USA, more than 50% of cars in Europe are equipped with diesel engines. Besides diesel cars cheaper than hybrid, simpler and more reliable. After all, everyone knows that the more complex the system, the less reliable it is! And precisely because of their complexity and capriciousness, there are practically no hybrid cars in the post-Soviet space. Official dealers they are not brought here. And any owner of such a car will inevitably face the problem of service stations. We do not have service stations that would deal with hybrid cars. And you can’t fix such a machine yourself!
