Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive is used on the Prius

A series/parallel hybrid has operating modes similar to both a series hybrid and a parallel hybrid.

This means that a series/parallel hybrid can be driven by:

  • the internal combustion engine alone
  • the electric motor, with electricity supplied by a battery
  • the electric motor, with power supplied by the engine acting as a generator
  • a combination of the engine and electric motor – used during hard acceleration.

The Toyota Prius is the best-known example of a series/parallel hybrid.