2009 Hybrid Vehicle Jargon

Confused about the 2009 hybrid jargon? If you are buying a new green car then you may want to become familiar with the terms listed below.
Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Honda's hybrid car terminology is called Integrated Motor Assist.
The technology was first introduced on the Honda Insight in 1999.
It uses an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission.
The implementation employs a parallel drivetrain.
Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) The original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) used in the 1997-2003 Toyota Prius.
Now the name has been changed to Hybrid Synergy Drive to accommodate usage outside the Toyota brand.
HSD is a refinement of the THS.
Toyota describes HSD-equipped vehicles as having E-CVT (Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission).
Two-Mode Hybrid System (TMHS) Most 2008 hybrids do a good job in stop and go traffic but not highway usage.
The Two-Mode system increases fuel efficiency above 40 mpg by use of a re-designed automatic transmission.
GM has introduced this technology on the Chevrolet tahoe and GMC Yukon 2008 hybrids with more models to be converted over in 2009.
The 2009 Chrysler Aspen hybrid will also include TMHS.
Super-Capacitor Hybrid This technology, being developed by BMW, is a variation of the gas/electric hybrid.
Instead of using a stack of rechargeable batteries for implementing the electrical power storage medium, BMW is using super-capacitors, thus making the car lighter, faster and more fuel efficient.
As with the original hybrid concept, energy is recovered by regenerative braking.
But instead of charging batteries, super-capacitors are charged instead.
The capacitors store less power but unlike rechargeable batteries, all 100% of what is stored can be utilized.
A 20% improvement in fuel efficiency has been reported with this technology.
Micro-Hybrid The micro-hybrid is an initiative similar to the HEV, but without the large battery.
The micro-hybrid, also called "stop-start", causes the engine to stop idling during car slow down and stop conditions.
This fuel efficient technology saves an estimated 5% - 15% for city driving and comes with a much lower price tag than full blown hybrids.
Stop-start was introduced by Peugeot-Citroën on the Citroën C3 in 2004 and will be installed on most Peugeots and Citroëns in the EU on or around 2010.
One big advantage of the micro-hybrid is that it is easier to implement and less expensive than other hybrid technologies.
It is now also being combined with other fuel efficient hybrid technologies.