About The Rx400H - Lexus RX 400h MHU33 Series Manual

About the RX400h

The RX400h (MHU33/38 series) is the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle for Lexus.
The gasoline-electric hybrid system has been named Hybrid Synergy Drive. Hybrid
Synergy Drive means that the vehicle contains a gasoline engine and an electric motor
for power. Two energy sources are stored onboard the vehicle:
1. Gasoline stored in the fuel tank for the gasoline 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 gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to recharge
the battery pack; unlike a pure all electric vehicle, the RX400h 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 RX400h operates in various driving
modes.
n On light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor.
The gasoline engine is shut off.
o During normal driving, the vehicle is powered mainly by the gasoline engine.
The gasoline engine is also used to recharge the battery pack.
p During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the
electric motor power the vehicle.
q During deceleration, such as braking, the vehicle regenerates the kinetic energy
from the front wheels to produce electricity that recharges the battery pack.
r While the vehicle is stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor are off,
however, the vehicle remains on and operational.
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