The energy storage component in the initial model year of Toyota’s hybrid sport utility vehicle is a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) unit. This component provided the necessary electrical power to supplement the gasoline engine, enabling enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions during vehicle operation. Its function was to store energy recovered during regenerative braking and to assist the engine during acceleration.
The integration of this component was pivotal for the vehicle’s hybrid functionality, contributing significantly to its overall performance and environmental benefits. It represented a key element in Toyota’s early efforts to introduce hybrid technology to a larger vehicle segment, offering consumers a blend of fuel economy and practicality. Its development and implementation reflected advancements in battery technology at the time.