Toyota has introduced a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the Land Cruiser Prado in the European market. The Prado in this avatar incorporates the same hybrid-assisted 2.8-litre diesel engine used in the mild-hybrid version of the Toyota Hiluxwhich is available globally and the recently launched Fortuner Neo Drive in India. This comes close on the heels of introducing the hybrid powertrain to the larger Land Cruiser 300 Series in select markets, including the Middle East.
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Contrary to Toyota’s full hybrid systems, the 48V mild-hybrid setup is more compact, with Toyota mentioning it integrates with existing diesel powertrains seamlessly. The hybrid system includes three primary components: an electric motor-generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter.
The motor-generator replaces the alternator and is driven by the engine to charge the battery. It also recovers energy during deceleration and engine braking, contributing to functions such as stop-start operation and assisting with acceleration. The motor-generator is mounted high on the engine, allowing the vehicle to maintain a 700 mm water-wading depth at low speeds.
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Toyota says that one of the benefits of the 48V system is improved engine start-stop responsiveness. Since the motor-generator remains connected at all times, restarts after engine shutdown are faster. Moreover, it can also be customised via the vehicle’s driver’s display, with options for “Normal” or “Long” stop durations.
The hybrid battery features 13 cells – a total capacity of 4.3Ah – and weighs 7.6 kg. Compact in design, it fits beneath a restructured rear deck. When fully charged, it can supplement the powertrain with an additional 16 bhp and 65 Nm of torque during initial acceleration.
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Toyota has confirmed that all Land Cruiser Prado models sold in Europe will come standard with this new 48V mild-hybrid system.
As mentioned earlier, Toyota India recently launched the Fortuner NeoDrive mild-hybrid in India. Priced at Rs 44.72 lakh (Rs 50.09 lakh for the Legender, ex-showroom), the Fortuner NeoDrive is equipped with the same 48-volt mild-hybrid system, paired with the ubiquitous 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine.
