Table of Contents
Advertisement
ABOUT THE LS 600hL
The LS 600hL sedan joins the RX 400h and
GS 450h as a hybrid model for Lexus. Hybrid
Synergy Drive means that the vehicle contains a
petrol engine and an electric motor for power.
The two hybrid power sources are stored on
board the vehicle:
1. Petrol stored in the fuel tank for the petrol
engine.
2. Electricity stored in a high voltage Hybrid Vehicle
(HV) battery pack for the electric motor.
The result of combining these two power sources is
improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The petrol engine also powers an electric generator
to recharge the battery pack; unlike a pure all
electric vehicle, the LS 600hL never needs to be
recharged from an external electric power source.
Depending on the driving conditions one or both
sources are used to power the vehicle.
The following illustration demonstrates how the
LS 600hL operates in various driving modes.
‚
During light acceleration at low speeds, the
vehicle is powered by the electric motor. The
petrol engine is shut off.
ƒ
During normal driving, the vehicle is powered
mainly by the petrol engine. The petrol engine
also powers the generator to recharge the
battery pack.
„
During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill,
both the petrol engine and the electric motor
power the vehicle.
…
During deceleration, such as when braking, the
vehicle regenerates the kinetic energy from the
wheels to produce electricity that recharges the
battery pack.
†
While the vehicle is stopped, the petrol engine
and electric motor are off, however the vehicle
remains on and operational.
– 1 –
Advertisement
Table of Contents
