Evaluating the energy performance of a SUV hybrid electric vehicle

This paper analyzes the energetic performance of the hybrid Lexus RX 400h, through on-board measurements. Several speed profiles were analyzed, for three driving types, successive stop and go cycles, three speed profiles, crossing an electronic toll collection booth, and a roundabout. In stop and go situations the internal combustion engine did not work (the torque needed to impulse the vehicle in the stop and go situations was only supported by the electric engines), as well as in the situations of constant low speeds (50 or 60 km h−1). The auxiliary support given by the electric engines in the accelerations, as well as the importance of the energy regeneration system on the batteries’ load recovery is also demonstrated. When compared with similar conventional vehicles, the Lexus RX 400h has lower combined energy consumption between 1.2% and 60%.