Rise of the P2machines

Newcomers to hybrid-vehicle development are bypassing the Prius-proven powersplit system for lower cost and moderately less capable single-motor solutions.

What a difference a decade, give or take a couple years, has made in the size and breadth of the hybrid-electric vehicle segment. The original duel between the Toyota Prius and Honda's Insight has grown to include, in MY2012, nearly 40 models available in the U.S. and nearly 50 worldwide. And it's hard to find an OEM that doesn't have hybrids in its product portfolio.

Not long ago, for example, HEVs were about as palatable as “lite” beer to many powertrain engineers at the German OEMs, whose belief in the diesel's superiority was unwavering. But new technologies are developed as mind-sets, regulations, and strategies change. Now, vehicle electrification is a product-development priority at BMW, Volkswagen Group, and Mercedes-Benz.