With the skyrocketing prices of petrol these days, and the subsequent removal of fuel subsidy by the current government, a whole lot of families with many vehicles ranging from high capacity engines(V6, V8,//V12), are finding it difficult to maintain those vehicles. Instead, some have traded them for lower prices, etc.
But there's a technology, that's being in existence right now. Its the hybrid car. Though my specialty for now, is the hybrids in Toyotas lineups. You're talking about Prius, Camry, highlander, Lexus, and Yaris, to mention a few.

System of operations
All hybrid cars work basically on the same principal. They have two sources of power that provides the necessary motion needed for driving the vehicle.
The Toyota hybrid cars in which have worked on, as the following:
*traction battery or hybrid battery(voltage ratings varies according to which Toyota car) Instance is, the battery modules are rated 7.2volts*30=210volts, generated by the hybrid battery, acting as source of power.
*a 12volts auxiliary battery, or what people would call "normal" battery. This powers only the electrical systems, such as interior lightings, etc.
*inverter/converter assembly. Its usually situated at the engine area, by the right hand side of the car, if you're looking at the car from the front. That box-like component with an inscription: hybrid synergy drive. That assembly of electronic hardware by Panasonic, Japan, boosts the 210volts, to approximately 660volts, which would be necessary for powering the electric motors on that are attached to the cars transmission system at the front, then via the drive shaft. When the car starts moving, the system recharges the hybrid system through regenerative braking, and slow stops.
*electric motors. They are enclosed in the transmission box, and work independently. They provide the movement the car desires.
In summary, as you drive a hybrid car in say holdups, the car's computer system switches off, the internal combustion engine, to conserve fuel, while awaiting for when more power would be required, before it either combines both power, or use only the internal combustion engine.
So, if you're considering a hybrid car this time, you've a lot of fuel savings, and less maintenance cost.
Common myth car owners have of hybrids
*its complex, and no competent hands to handle them. A big NO.

Just hope this piece helps someone in their decision makings while considering a hybrid.

How much is the cost of the battery? You forgot to include that vital piece of information. And when a problem occurs with the battery, where can it be fixed?

Very nice write up with true information.
The systems in the hybrid are highly reliable too.

@Laudate. Its in the first point in the text.
The hybrid battery is also called the traction battery.
Getting a battery? New or used? For new, you check it up online; for used, you could get it ordered also fro. abroad, or the normal "Ladipo" people.
If your hybrid battery is dead, you replace it.

@Ric: You're right o! Highly reliable.

TRYGO:
@Laudate. Its in the first point in the text.
The hybrid battery is also called the traction battery.
Getting a battery? New or used? For new, you check it up online; for used, you could get it ordered also fro. abroad, or the normal "Ladipo" people.
If your hybrid battery is dead, you replace it.

It costs a huge amount of money to do that. Those batteries cost over a half a million naira or more depending on the model. Those batteries ain't cheap. My neighbour has permanently parked his hybrid car, since the battery died.

My own question na say


Can I change the brake pads diy??

@diportivo. You can na, if you don de do am before.

@diportivo. You can na, if you don de do am before.

@laudate. You're right o! There's one at my base, a Camry 07, that has an abs problem. Its being parked since last year. Hybrids cars don't require their batteries to be left unused for long. Now, the battery's showing signs of failure.
The option for your guy who has permanently parked the car is, he either waits for the economy to recover then buy a battery, or turn it in to a conventional car. Mind you, again. It might not be the hybrid battery that's the fault.

@laudite. In case you want that fixed, drop us a line then. Ordering the battery from the USA is cool. Then its fixed here. Shikenan.

@laudite, if you want to fix your existing hybrid battery then call me.

@diportivo. You can change the brake pad but first you need to disconnect the -ve terminal of the 12v auxillary battery or unplug the two ABS relays in the engine room fuse box, i prefer to perform both actions because it won't really cost you anything. The two processes puts you in safety ensuring that the brake actuator does not engage while you are around the vehicle with your key fob with you. Neglect these and you will like code an ABS DTC code. In addition, where possible bleed the brakes with a Toyota OEM scan tool.


Mr. Jossy
2007 prius 1NZ-FXE
2010 prius 2ZR-FXE

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