Toyota Camry Hybrid utilizes a Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) functioning as a battery pack that serves as an energy reservoir. It uses power from the battery pack to propel the vehicle at startup, low speeds or under acceleration. When higher speeds, faster acceleration or more power for charging the batteries are needed, the gasoline engine is started by the motor-generator.
These features allow the gasoline engine to be turned off during traffic stops, with accessory power (including air conditioning) being provided by the battery pack. During deceleration, this car uses the forward motion of the vehicle to produce a significant amount of charging current to the batteries. This way the power needed for acceleration is stored as electrical energy that was converted from the forward momentum.
Camry uses a 650V electric motor in conjunction with a four-cylinder gasoline engine for an estimated fuel economy of 33/34 MPG. (read more)