(bright electronic music)
- [Presenter] Toyota's electrification leadership
spans decades, and its vehicles are proof of this mastery.
Its newest electrified powertrain compliments
its current lineup, which include hybrid,
plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric.
This battery-electric system blends responsive performance
and zero emissions, all in one exceptionally
versatile package.
Let's take a closer look
and see how this innovative powertrain operates.
(bright electronic music continues)
Unlike a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell system,
which include a combustion engine or a fuel cell stack
and a fuel tank, a Battery-Electric Powertrain makes use
of a single or multiple electric motors
and a high capacity battery.
Press the push button start and the system comes alive,
much like Toyota's other electrified systems
activating the onboard computers, known as ECUs,
that regulate and control the powertrain.
These ECUs also control and maintain charge
on the 12 volt battery located under the hood,
which is used to power vehicle lighting, windows,
door locks and other similar features.
On the other hand, the high capacity battery
powers up via the system's main relays.
These send power to components that require high voltage,
ensuring battery power is switched on safely
upon vehicle startup to avoid spiking any element
of the system.
In the event that a fault or collision is detected,
the system main relays power down safely
to isolate the high capacity battery
and turn off the high voltage cables,
which are color coded in bright orange.
(bright electronic music continues)
Unlike hybrids, Battery-Electric Powertrains
use motor generators exclusively for motivation.
Since there is no internal combustion engine
or fuel cell stack, motor generators
are the only source of motivation.
In two wheel drive vehicles,
one motor generator powers the front wheels,
while all wheel drive models use two of them,
one mounted on each axle.
This means that each electric motor powers
the front and rear independently,
allowing for improved power management at each wheel.
Unlike an internal combustion engine,
which generates power across a power band,
electric motors respond right away
when the driver presses the accelerator,
and are able to generate maximum torque
from a complete standstill,
resulting in smooth, lag-free power delivery.
Equipping a BEV with two electric motors
not only provides extra power,
it also helps better manage traction
through the precise control of power delivery
when driving in inclement weather conditions.
Plus the power from the second electric motor,
which is routed through the rear wheels,
enhances the vehicle's handling and grip in the dry.
Finally, just like Toyota's other electrified powertrains,
battery-electric systems are capable of energy regeneration.
When coasting or braking,
the traction motors work as generators,
recapturing wasted energy and turning it into electricity,
which is then stored within the high capacity battery.
In addition to the normal drive selection options,
Toyota BEVs have a regeneration boost mode,
which provides increased regenerative braking
and greater deceleration levels when lifting
off the accelerator pedal,
resulting in more energy being recaptured
while reducing the need for the driver to
press the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.
(bright electronic music continues)
Battery-Electric Powertrains are further differentiated
when it comes to charging.
Like a plug-in hybrid, they can be charged
via a Level 1 charger, like a 120 volt household outlet
or a Level 2 AC charger that outputs 240 volts.
An onboard charger converts alternating current
to direct current, allowing the battery to be replenished
to 100% charge overnight through a Level 2 charger.
For faster charging times, BEVs can use Level 3 DC
fast chargers found in public spaces.
Since the onboard charger doesn't need to
convert electricity to direct current,
the battery can be recharged quickly,
usually reaching 80% in an hour or less
under ideal conditions.
However, electricity intake slows down after 80%
to further preserve the battery's durability.
So that's a closer look
at Toyota's Battery-Electric Powertrain
and how it combines responsive performance
with zero emissions. (music continues)
As part of Toyota's efforts to move toward its
Beyond Zero Vision for a carbon neutral future,
Battery-Electric Powertrain helps set the standard
for electrified mobility going forward,
giving consumers more ways to reduce their carbon footprint
with an electrified system to fit their lifestyles.
Be sure to check out the other videos in this series
to learn more about Toyota's electrified powertrains.
To explore the full electrified lineup from Toyota,
visit toyota.com/electrified.