Hey I was wondering what are the differences between the two types. I think that HSD would be better. I am curios though. I was unable to find much info at the Honda web site unlike the Toyota site. Honda only has a faq and that’s it. The reason I ask is that my friends are now interested in hybrids after I got my Prius and I am unable to answer questions about anything not Toyota.
IMA is an "assist" hybrid. Basically, one electric motor is inserted between the gas engine and the transmission. They share the same shaft, resulting in a very simple design but restricting each component to operate at the identical RPM. It's electrical system can best be described as "passive" HSD is a "full" hybrid. It has two electric motors that interact with the gas engine through the use of a PSD (Power Split Device). This unique device provides for a dramatic range of flexibility, allowing each of the 3 power components to operate independently or in combination at any RPM. It's electrical system can best be described as "persistent". http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_assist.htm http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_full.htm http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_full_details.htm http://john1701a.com/prius/hybrid-type_full_operation.htm
Thank you. That is a large amount of info, will keep me busy for some time. I think I am going to print this out to show friends that way they can figure out what car they want. Personally, I like HSD.
