The energy storage component in the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack. This high-voltage battery provides supplemental power to the vehicle’s gasoline engine, working in tandem to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It is a critical component of the hybrid system, enabling regenerative braking and electric-only operation at low speeds.
The implementation of this technology offered a notable advancement in vehicle performance and environmental consciousness. Its function allowed the vehicle to achieve better fuel economy than traditional gasoline-powered SUVs of the same class. The hybrid system’s ability to capture energy during braking and redeploy it for acceleration contributed to both efficiency and performance enhancements. The 2006 Highlander Hybrid represented an early adoption of this technology in a larger vehicle platform, demonstrating the viability of hybrid powertrains.