Tag Archives: mild hybrid

NEWS

2026 Volvo S90 debuts with XC90 facelift design

The executive sedan Volvo S90 has been available in the market since 2016 as an alternative to luxury sedans from Germany.

Following an update in 2020, Volvo is once again attempting to refresh its S90 offering with a second facelift model.

As expected, it features a design approach similar to the previously facelifted SUV model, the XC90.

Changes noticeable on the exterior include new headlight units with Thor’s hammer LED graphics, a redesigned grille and bumper, and rear lights featuring hammer-shaped graphics.

Inside the cabin, the Volvo S90 is equipped with an 11.2-inch central screen that also includes over-the-air (OTA) update functionality, along with sound insulation features for a quieter cabin.

The use of adaptive suspension contributes to a higher level of comfort.

In terms of power, this facelifted S90 is available with a choice of a 2.0-liter mild hybrid engine or a PHEV version that offers a zero-emission driving range of up to 80 km.

In less favorable news, the Volvo S90 facelift will not be available in the United States and Europe; instead, Volvo will focus on selling the S90 in China and several key Asian markets.

NEWS

Yamaha FZ mild hybrid version hits the Indian market

Unlike the electric motorcycle and scooter segment, it can be challenging to find two-wheeled machines powered by hybrid engines.

Kawasaki has previously unveiled two hybrid models, the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid.

What about Yamaha?

At the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, which took place last month, Yamaha Motor India showcased a naked motorcycle that was once popular in Malaysia—the FZ.

More specifically, it’s the all-new Yamaha FZ-S Hybrid, powered by a single-cylinder 149 cc air-cooled engine that produces 12.4 hp and 13.3 Nm of torque.

Unlike the hybrid systems found in Kawasaki machines, the FZ-S Hybrid relies on a mild-hybrid system, where extra power is supplied by an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

While there is no benefit in terms of zero-emission riding, assistance from the electric motor can enhance the characteristics of the 150 cc engine to feel more like a 200 cc, especially during acceleration or when overtaking vehicles.

With this mild-hybrid system, it’s possible for the 13-liter fuel tank to achieve a riding range of over 480 km.

Other features include:

  • 41 mm front telescopic forks
  • Single shock absorber with 7-level preload adjustment
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Seat height of 790 mm
  • Traction control system (TCS)
  • 282 mm front brake rotor, 220 mm rear
  • Single-channel ABS braking system

In the Indian market, the Yamaha FZ-S Hybrid is priced at INR 130,700 (approximately RM 6,600).

NEWS

Isuzu Thailand launches mild hybrid diesel engine for D-Max and MU-X

Isuzu Thailand has recently announced the arrival of the all-new MaxForce diesel engine, which will be used in the D-Max pickup truck and MU-X SUV.

This mild hybrid engine, with a displacement of 2.2 liters, is built upon the 1.9 liter BluePower engine but is capable of generating up to 161 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While Isuzu did not specify the details of the 48-volt lightweight hybrid system integrated into the new engine, it explained that it is designed to provide quieter and more efficient operation.

Additionally, this lightweight hybrid system contributes 55 percent of the torque at the start of driving and offers a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

With the introduction of this new engine, Isuzu does not intend to completely eliminate the existing 1.9 liter lightweight hybrid engine in the D-Max.

With power and torque nearly equivalent to the standard 1.9 liter engine (148 hp/350 Nm), the Isuzu D-Max MHEV will only be available with a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a six-speed automatic transmission.

NEWS

Toyota Hilux gets new looks, mild-hybrid power in Australia

The Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V, which was launched in Europe last December, has now been introduced in Australia through a facelifted version of the pickup truck.

Similar to the European model, the facelifted Hilux for Down Under combines the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with mild hybrid technology consisting of a motor generator, 48-volt battery, and DC/DC converter.

According to Toyota, the technology provides the Hilux with a Stop/Start system, helps the engine run smoother and improves fuel efficiency by approximately 6% to 10%, depending on variant.

For the Australian market, the 48V mild hybrid technology is equipped as standard in the 4X4 Rogue and SR5 double cab automatic variants, and optionally available on the 4X4 SR double cab.

In addition, all mild hybrid variants are made more capable off-road with the standard fitment of the Multi-Terrain Select system, which offers six driving modes.

However, unlike in Europe, the facelifted Hilux in Australia has been given a fresher look. The octagonal grille has been redesigned, while the front bumper now appears more prominent thanks to a trapezoid-shaped air intake and new fog lamp housings.

Some variants also feature a tough-looking black honeycomb mesh grille and a tailgate damper.

In terms of features, all SR double cab automatic variants now come with six parking sensors (two in the front, four in the rear), while the SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport variants receive a wireless charging pad and two USB-C ports.

The facelifted Hilux will arrive in Toyota showrooms across Australia starting this March, with prices ranging from AUD54,130 to AUD71,530 (RM167,800 to RM221,739) for the mild hybrid variants.

NEWS

Toyota Hilux gets 48V mild-hybrid variant in Europe

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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).