The Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V represents a massive shift in powertrain tech for the world’s most durable pick-up.
The Toyota Hilux is seen as the defacto workhorse of the world and has proven to be a durable and strong vehicle for use in the most challenging environments. Now it appears the Hilux is getting a mild hybrid system so that it continue to be sold in the most challenging environmental regulations.
Throughout its more than 5 decades, the Hilux has been powered by conventional internal combustion engines, mostly diesels in our part of the world. However things are changing. The Hilux of today has evolved to be more comfortable, better handling, faster and yes, cleaner too. Just last year, an all-electric Hilux was put into production while we even got to sample a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle Hilux at the company’s Move To Zero event in M’ranti Park.
The Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V will be put into production this year in Double Cab form, but it’s unclear if it will be sold in Malaysia. Despite electrification, the Hilux Hybrid 48V retains its 700mm deep water wading capabilities and the same load-carrying capabilities. To do this, Toyota has, for the first time, used a fabric layer in the structure of the timing belt.
In fact, this will be the first implementation of Toyota’s 48V Hybrid system. This mild hybrid powertrain uses the same 2.8L turbo diesel engine that we’re familiar with but introduces a new electric motor-generator and a 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery and a DC-DC converter. These components are integrated into the existing powertrain in a relatively straightforward way to minimize complexity partly due to the small size of the permanent magnet electric motor. This motor is directly driven by the engine and charges the battery. The battery also gets charged via regenerative braking. The electrical systems also benefit the overall efficiency by about 5%. The powertrain status is displayed on the vehicle’s multi-info display.
Here’s more information on the first ever Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V:
Stop-Start System:
- More comfortable driving in traffic with quicker, quieter restart response
- Electric motor-generator replaces conventional starter motor
- Enables restart even at high engine speeds with less delay
- Maintains brake pressure on hills until drive torque is generated
- Drivers can choose between NORMAL or LONG idling stop time
Hybrid Battery and Components:
- 48V lithium-ion battery with 13 cells and 4.3 Ah capacity
- Weighs 7.6 kg and fits under rear seats with minimal impact on cabin space
- Provides up to 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque at start-off
- Protected against water ingress with cooling air drawn from front of vehicle
- Features two-arm belt-tensioner designed for diesel engines and rough-road driving
Engine Specifications:
- 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine with 204 DIN hp (150 kW) at 3,400 rpm
- 500 Nm of torque between 1,600-2,800 rpm
- Compatible with HVO100 diesel (100% renewable non-fossil fuel)
Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) System:
- First Hilux to feature this system
- Six settings: Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, Deep Snow, and Auto
- Auto mode continuously assesses road conditions using sensors
- Different modes available depending on transmission range (H4 or L4)
Vehicle Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5,325 mm long, up to 1,900 mm wide, 1,865 mm high
- Double cab format with 1,555 mm long bed
- 1,000 kg payload capacity
- 3,500 kg towing capacity
- Body-on-frame architecture with ladder frame chassis
- Ground clearance of 310 mm
- Approach angle: 29 degrees
- Departure angle: 26 degrees
