Hello,

I've driven several cars equipped with stop&start systems, and no matter how good, or new, or expensive the car was I could always feel and hear the engine starting. The sound of a starter is unmistakeable. However, in the 300h the gasoline engine starts incredibly seamlessly. What's its secret? How does it do that?

Thank you.

 

Hybrid cars (well at least the Toyota/Lexus ones) don't have a starter, the massive EV battery pack is used to start the engine so there is no starter motor noise.

The engine shuts off every time you lift off the throttle, can you imagine the if you had the hear the starter motor every time it restarted

 

So the main electric motor, apart from turning the wheels, is also used to start the gas engine?
If I understand correctly, the electric motor has no neutral gear per se, meaning it's always connected to the wheels. If that's so, then the electric motor can only turn the engine while the car is moving. Come to think of it, if the car is moving the engine will start by simply being connected to the transmission. Is this correct? Is this how it works?
If the electric motor also acts as a starter and is permanently connected to the wheels, does this mean the engine cannot be started while the car is stationary?

 

The electric generator for the electric motor starts the engine, not the electric motor itself.

 

Oh, I see. Right. That makes sense.
Thank you.

 

On cold mornings, when you press the power button to start the car, does the gas engine also start automatically? Or does it only start while you're actually moving?
Can you start the engine and leave it idling for a couple of minutes while you're busy clearing the windows of ice and snow?

 

The engine will start very shortly after you press the start button unless the radiator is already at operating temperature. The gas engine generates heat for both the radiator and the catalytic converter, and will run to maintain them in the operating range even when there is no demand for movement of the vehicle. It may well cycle off then back on if it takes you a while to clean the windows.

 

That's great. Thank you.