No, the above animations do not exactly represent the drive of the Toyota Prius. It is in fact, even a little more complicated. In this case, only the principle of a vehicle is shown, where the electro-motor replaces the, somewhat wear-and-tear susceptible, clutch and gearbox.

Both of the motors engage, through a planet-drive in the proceedings, this means, they are constantly linked with the final drive (in this case, a front-wheel drive/transverse mounted engine). Whereby, it makes hardly any difference, whether the combustion engine engages with the sun-wheel and the electro-motor, with the planet-wheel carrier, or vice-versa.

The above animations 1 und 2 are still comparatively simple to understand. On condition that the combustion engine is not running, the torque of the electro-motor can be brought to bear on either direction of rotation. One can travel a certain distance from home without using any fuel, however, one would not have any heating, except perhaps one provided by electricity.

The actual main attraction, is the integration of (in this case) the four-cylinder. We won't discuss how it is started. More important is, that it is held in the optimum RPM- and load area, and that, if possible, right up to the recommended motorway speed (130 km/h).

Take note of the, in animation 3, reverse running electro-motor. Here, it is producing current which can be regulated by the engine management. The stronger it is burdened with the charging of the high-tension battery, the stronger the RPMs are are conveyed to the driving speed.

However, be careful, it's not all that simple, because the torque of the combustion engine is not always sufficient for fast driving and high charging. Thus, an ingenious throttle-valve adjustment is necessary, which must also take e.g., the drivers wish to accelerate into consideration. 02/10