Description of the Hybrid Technology Mounted to Production Model

The demand for vehicles with improved fuel efficiency and controlled emissions is increasing year after year. The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), which combines an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor, currently seems to be the most promising new technology. Many HEVs of various forms have been developed and their commercialization is proceeding. The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system described in this present paper is classified in the parallel HEV category. This system offers a lightweight and compact power plant due to its simple configuration. The motor of the IMA system is connected directly to the engine crankshaft via the flywheel located between a 1000cc three-cylinder gasoline engine and the transmission.