The energy storage component in the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. This battery is a critical element of the vehicle’s hybrid system, providing supplemental power to the gasoline engine and enabling features such as regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration and stores it for later use.
This battery pack is essential for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in the hybrid vehicle. It allows the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode under certain conditions, thereby minimizing gasoline consumption. Its performance significantly impacts the vehicle’s overall driving experience, contributing to smoother acceleration and a more environmentally friendly operation. The technology represented a significant step in automotive engineering at the time, demonstrating a practical application of hybrid power.