Toyota Prius 2004 Product Bulletin page 37

22.2.2. Hybrid Synergy Drive - EV Mode
22.2.3. Hybrid Synergy Drive – Improvements to the Battery
22.2.4. By Wire Systems
The high powe r output of the electric motor enables Prius to be driven on its
electric motor alone. Normally, this is automatically part of the operation of
th e hybrid system. However, new Prius also features an EV (Electric
V ehicle) mode. By sele
cho ose to run the car sol
a nd very low vehicl e noise.
As with current Prius, the electric motor on the new car is powered by
specially sealed nickel hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. These are located behind
the rear seats under the floor
been made:
the battery on new Prius uses fewer cells and is more compact a
lightweight that that in the current model
on current Prius, the cells were connected to each other in only one sp
With new Prius, this has been improved to two spots, reducing the interna
resistance of the battery and improving its efficiency
New Prius uses aircraft-style by wire systems for the accelerator, gear shift
and braking. These have the advantage of saving weight over the
conventional alternative which helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce
emissions.
In addition, the brake by wire system ensures instantaneous response
improving vehicle reaction times in an emergency.
B U L T
cting the EV button on the dashboard
ely on el ectric p ower, producing
of the car. Two major improvements have
37
, the driver can
zero emissions
nd
ot.
l