It may not look any different from your standard Hilux, but don’t let your eyes deceive you: this is the 2024 Hilux Hybrid.
First announced in June, electrification comes to Toyota’s legendary pickup truck range helping it deliver better efficiency, improved driving performance, and comfort.
Unlike the typical Toyota Hybrid System or THS, the Hilux uses a 48-volt hybrid system that’s specifically designed for pickup truck application.
The tried-and-tested 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel drives a compact motor generator, which in turn charges the new 48V lithium battery, which is small enough to be installed under the rear seats to minimize impact on cabin space, and weighs just 7.6 kilograms. This 48-volt battery also supplies the vehicle’s 12V system through a new DC/DC converter.
Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the new battery is charged during deceleration, efficiently regenerating braking energy which would otherwise be lost, whilst also adding additional braking performance. Once charged, the battery sends up to 16 horsepower (12 kW) of power and 65 Nm of torque through the motor generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power, and efficiency.
The motor generator is compact and has been designed to withstand the harsher working environments experienced by commercial vehicles, while the engine has been modified to adapt to the hybrid system. A new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material contribute to the improved drivability and a quieter ride, whilst retaining Hilux’s famous durability.
Despite being electrified, the 2.8-liter engine retains its outputs: 204 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. However, the 48-volt system does result in more responsive acceleration, improved braking performance, and greater fuel efficiency.
For example, the additional power of the hybrid 48V system delivers better throttle response and linear acceleration, particularly from a standstill, while regenerative braking creates a more effective and natural deceleration feel.
An enhanced stop-start system allows the engine to remain off for longer periods which, coupled with the benefits of the hybrid 48V system, improves fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent compared to the conventional non-electrified diesel powertrain.
As well as those efficiency benefits, the improved stop-start system delivers a more comfortable drive in traffic, thanks to quicker throttle response from standstill and a quieter engine restart, achieved because the motor generator is constantly connected to the engine and, unlike conventional systems, does not use the starter motor. That also enables the engine to restart at a higher speed.
Motor generator power allows for smoother acceleration when negotiating rough terrain too and regenerative braking supports safer downhill maneuvering, while the engine’s idling speed is reduced from 720 rpm to 600 rpm which increases a driver’s ability to easily control the vehicle.
For the first time on a Hilux, the new Multi-terrain Select system provides even better performance and control by giving the driver the option to adjust vehicle stability control settings according to the specific driving conditions. This can be set to an automatic setting, or the driver can choose one of five pre-set options – Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow or Rock – calibrated to regulate power and wheelspin to enhance traction and maneuverability.
Special attention has been paid to ensuring the Hilux Hybrid 48V possesses formidable water-crossing capabilities. The Hilux Hybrid 48V can drive through water up to 700 mm deep thanks to waterproofing of the 48V battery and DC-DC converter while new anti-slip and strengthening measures on the motor generator pulley and belt ensure optimum performance, even when wet.
Now, the big question is: will Toyota Motor Philippines offers the Hilux Hybrid 48V for the Philippine market? So far, there’s been no solid indication. However, it’s been confirmed for several markets already including Australia and Europe. If it does arrive locally, it could theoretically benefit from EVIDA law perks such as priority registration and number coding exemption. It must be remembered that other 48-volt hybrids that use a compact electric motor (CX-60, CX-90) do.
The 1st coding exempt pickup truck on sale in the Philippine market is actually the Dongfeng Rich 6 EV
ReplyDeleteit doesnt matter, people never heard of it and probably not interested of it anyway
DeleteDongfeng Rich 6 EV is available and on sale in the Philippine market since 2022
DeleteMeralco bought several units of it already and been using it since last year.
The issue with the Rich EV for consumers is its limited range and slow charging time. Otherwise it is a good truck.
DeleteDoes the electric motor drive the car or the diesel motor ?
ReplyDeleteFor Hilux-crazy Philippines (and Asia), I'm quite sure they'll bring it here. The other indication is that Hilux is a global product and most mechanical, electronic as well as cosmetic, updates are rolled out across the globe.
ReplyDeleteNice to see the MTS trickle down to the more affordable Toyota 4x4s. But I think it is definitely worth waiting for the next generation Hilux where all the technology that Toyota developed for it will finally be in one coherent package. Toyota did a great job updating the current Hilux, but you can easily tell that these features are just add-ons or retrofits to a decade old vehicle that don't feel properly baked in. But with the next generation Hilux, I'm sure it will all come together and it could be a game changer.
ReplyDeleteAren't mild hybrids not allowed to get EVIDA incentives? Mazda were only able to get the CX-60 and 90 reinstated on the list because they were sufficiently able to prove that their MHEV system can drive on EV power for very low speeds (40 kph max) but for only a few seconds. I don't see that capability for the Mild Hybrid Hilux, especially that the transmission seems carry over (i.e: not have the multi-plate clutch of the CX-60 and 90 to allow their abilities). Plus, I don't think TMP is the type of company to find loopholes for sales like what Suzuki did. I don't think this will be coding exempt and TMP won't do anything to make it so, to the point of probably not offering this on the Conquest. Would love to see the new MTS system offered on the GR-S and Conquest though.
ReplyDeleteThat depends. We shall see.
DeleteIt'll be a double-edged sword for Toyota. On one hand, if they do get a coding exemption for the Hilux Hybrid, expect the likes of Suzuki to try to negotiate getting their Ertiga Hybrid exempted again. But on the other, it dilutes their hybrid branding--something they have been working on for decades. Regardless, seems they really want to stick to the "hybrid" branding for the Hilux. Originally, it was said they were going to use the term, "Kinetic Assist" for this system.
Delete"Now, the big question is: will Toyota Motor Philippines offers the Hilux Hybrid 48V for the Philippine market?"
ReplyDeleteLol good luck on wading this one thru flooded roads. I know a personal relative who owns a corolla cross that got caught on downpour in quezon ave. Had no choice but to cross past them maybe around knee deep if i'm not mistaken. When he finally arrived at his home, that's when he found out that the hybrid system jammed. He immediately took it to the toyota casa and it's been stuck there for more than a month in which they're still trying to figure out how they can fix the problem. Sure, the hilux has more ground clearance but you can never be sure how tolerant or sensitive these hybrid systems are in that case.
Battery of Hilux Mild Hybrid is smaller and its placed on the driver's seat.
DeleteIts MHEV. Technically, the program is there to promote lesser emission driving by using electric energy instead of burning too much fuel. Like it or not, MHEVs is more like making the engine efficient rather than tapping into another energy source so these Okavangos and Mercedes with EQ boost will never qualify
ReplyDeleteMost likely this new tech will be added instead on the Fortuner Q and LTD
ReplyDeleteGlad to see this has normal track and wheels are completely flush to the body. I'm surprised that the GR-S track increase was applied to the Conquest as well -- a head-scratcher if you ask me. The (new) GR-S is a niche product and the Conquest should remain the top-of-the-line Hilux with its core capabilities preserved.
ReplyDelete