Technical Paper
Highly Efficient Hybrid Minivan with Super Low Emissions
2002-03-04
2002-01-0992
This paper introduces a minivan with a newly developed hybrid system known as THS-C (The Hybrid System - CVT). This hybrid system employs a highly efficient engine, a high performance exhaust emission control system, a high efficiency metal belt CVT, and a super efficient motor. System control of the engine, motor and CVT optimizes the operation of both the motor and the engine. With these improvements, this new vehicle achieves over 80% better fuel economy than a comparable conventional vehicle. Exhaust emissions are dramatically reduced using precision control during the engine starts and stops.