Toyota Hilux gets 48V mild-hybrid variant in Europe
FROM mid-2024 onwards, the European-market Toyota Hilux will be offered with a new mild-hybrid powertrain that which offers improved driving performance and enhanced comfort in both urban and off-road environments.
Marketed as the Hilux Hybrid 48V, it features the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an additional power of 16 PS and 65 Nm to help with the acceleration and fuel efficiency.
The aforementioned engine puts out 204 PS at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, just like in the Hilux Rogue.
According to Toyota, the engine drives a compact generator using a belt drive system, which in turn charges a 48-volt lithium battery, which is small enough to be installed under the rear seats and weighs just 7.6 kg.
Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration. Once charged, the battery sends the output through the motor generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.
The motor generator has been designed to withstand the harsher working environments, while the engine gets a new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material to adapt to the hybrid system.
With an enhanced start-stop system, the powertrain helps improve the Hilux’s fuel efficiency by up to 5% compared to the conventional non-electrified diesel powertrain.
Electrification aside, the Hilux Hybrid 48V retains its towing and payload capacity at 3,500 kg and 1,000 kg, respectively.
Its off-road credentials also remain intact with a ground clearance of 310 mm, an approach angle of 29 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees. It can drive through water up to 700 mm deep thanks to waterproofing of the battery and DC-DC converter.
Safety-wise, there’s the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense comprising enhanced features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Adaptive High Beam (AHB).
