I looked on Toyota's website.
Part of the time the engine is running it gives power to the generator, which then sends electricity to the little motors. The motors power the wheels.
Isn't this a waste of efficiency? Why not power the wheels directly with the engine? Why go the long way around?
Also, does the engine have constant rpms? It's supposed to be in some kind of "efficiency band"...does that mean flat constant or does it shift around (in rpms) a bit.
How does the gear thing work if the rpms are constant? Is there an easy diagram that shows how constant rpms and non-constant speed is possible?
Part of the time the engine is running it gives power to the generator, which then sends electricity to the little motors. The motors power the wheels.
Isn't this a waste of efficiency? Why not power the wheels directly with the engine? Why go the long way around?
Also, does the engine have constant rpms? It's supposed to be in some kind of "efficiency band"...does that mean flat constant or does it shift around (in rpms) a bit.
How does the gear thing work if the rpms are constant? Is there an easy diagram that shows how constant rpms and non-constant speed is possible?