The Prius uses a planetary gear set to blend power of the engine with that of the two motor-generators.
Both the engine and motors are used at all speeds. Particularly during highway acceleration the entire assembly rotates in the same direction.
Both the engine and motors are used at all speeds. Particularly during highway acceleration the entire assembly rotates in the same direction.
No, quite a few other hybrids are just an electrical motor tacked on to an existing ICE drivetrain, and they are actually more complicated than a regular ICE car, with horrible reliability and repair cost. And other non-hybrid minivans are either seriously underpowered, or require a seriously big engine that eats fuel.
The complaints that people have against hybrids and minivans are valid, if they're not talking about Toyota hybrids or this specific Toyota minivan.