- New modular four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine family.
- Naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.
- Over 15 per cent fuel economy gain targeted.
- Shares architecture with battery electric and plug-in models.
- Being developed to run on carbon-neutral fuels.
Work is under way at Toyota on a next-generation hybrid powertrain for its future multi-pathway vehicle platforms. The system pairs a new family of four-cylinder 1.5-litre engines, in naturally aspirated and turbocharged form, with lighter and more compact electric motors, power control units and inverters.
Energy circumstances, customer needs and preferences differ by region and country. The carmaker’s multi-pathway approach responds by offering a range of electrified powertrains and adjusting the mix to demand, and the new hybrid is designed to support that flexibility in both development and manufacturing.
Toyota 1.5-litre engine and power electronics
Rather than adapting an existing engine for electrified use, Toyota developed the engine, hybrid system and power electronics together as a single integrated powertrain. The new units were designed for electrification from the start and are smaller and more efficient than their predecessors. The naturally aspirated version is intended to cover the performance range currently served by the 1.8-litre engine and the current 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine.
Toyota-developed silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics form part of the package. Integrating the components more closely is intended to reduce losses across the whole system.
Fuel economy target for the new hybrid
The targeted improvement in fuel economy is more than 15 per cent. That gain is expected to come from lower mechanical friction, improved thermal management, reduced electrical losses and a lower drag coefficient.
Shared platform for hybrid and electric models
Because the hybrid system is much smaller than before, it can be packaged within new platforms designed for battery electric vehicles. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains can share the same basic architecture without affecting silhouette, interior space or capability. A lower-profile engine package also allows lower bonnet heights and gives designers fewer constraints when shaping a vehicle.
Spreading development and production investment across combined volumes of all three types is expected to bring greater financial and engineering economies of scale. The common architecture should also let factories adjust the powertrain mix to closely match customer demand.
Carbon-neutral fuels and external sales
The company sees efficient hybrid technology as a continuing part of its route to carbon neutrality, and the system is being developed to run on renewable and carbon-neutral fuels. Toyota plans to increase external sales of its new engine and hybrid technologies in the coming years.
Supplied by Newspress UK (Toyota)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
Enjoyed this story? We need your help.
Add Saffarazzi as a preferred source. You’ll see more of our stories on Google, and you’ll help us grow.