Honda Hybrid battery

Yes, but that is EXACTLY how they do it, on the Honda. It is a 15 KW system, so believe it or not, they run up to 100 A in and out of that battery string! I can't believe they can take it, either. The Honda Civic hybrid is a 150 V system with Nickel-metal hydride batteries. It can go several thousand feet on battery power alone, that is the extent of the battery. Mostly it is to make up for the VERY anemic internal combustion engine when starting from a stop, and tries to mostly use energy recovered when stopping for that purpose. The Prius and copies use a 340 V Lithium battery system, with a little more AH capacity plus the higher voltage. It can start from a stop entirely on battery power and run about a mile on electric power alone.

Jon

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Actually the Prius uses a 200V battery voltage as well that can supply up to 125A (25KW). The 200V from the battery can be stepped up to

The first generation Prius did use a 340v battery with a lower current that was used directly by the motor drivers.

Other hybrids from Toyota do use higher battery voltages.

One reason for using relatively small cells is that the patent from Ovonics (owned at various times by GM and Chevron) limits the capacity of NiMH batteries in cars to 6.5AH per cell unless the car manufacturer pays exorbitant licensing fees.

kevin