Toyota Land Cruiser Gets 48V Hybrid Tech - Fortuner to Follow in India?

Toyota’s Land Cruiser 250 now features a 48V mild hybrid system, blending off-road strength with smoother, more efficient on-road performance.

Toyota has added a new mild hybrid system to its Land Cruiser 250 model in Europe. This change marks an important step for the well-known SUV. The new electric system helps the car drive better on all kinds of roads. It also keeps its strong off-road skills, like being able to drive through water that is 700 mm deep.

The updated Land Cruiser now uses Toyota’s 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine along with a new electric motor-generator. It also has a small 48V lithium-ion battery and a special power converter. Toyota says this hybrid setup makes the car speed up more smoothly. It also makes the engine start and stop more quietly. This helps the car perform better both on regular roads and rough paths.

At the heart of this system is a motor that works like a generator. It takes the place of the usual alternator. This motor helps the car slow down by turning energy back into power. This stored energy goes into the battery. When needed, especially at low speeds, the battery can give an extra 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of push.

The lithium-ion battery is light, weighing only 7.6 kg. It fits neatly under the car’s floor, so it does not take up much space. Air for cooling the battery comes from the front of the car, not from inside the cabin. A special filter system stops dust from getting in, which is good for driving off-road. The battery is also built to handle high heat and water, making it very tough.

Toyota has also changed the belt system to work with the new hybrid setup in the diesel engine. A special belt tightener keeps the belt working well, even when wet. Strong materials are used to make sure the belt lasts a long time, even under heavy use. Parts built into the system help stop shaking and noise when driving on rough ground.

Now, the car speeds up and slows down more smoothly. This makes driving feel more controlled in city traffic and on difficult terrain. The motor-generator helps the engine restart almost instantly. This is true even when the engine is running fast. This feature can make driving less tiring in heavy traffic or when going up steep hills. A screen inside the car lets the driver choose how the engine starts and stops, and how the air conditioning works.

Toyota chose a simple way to add this hybrid system. The 48V setup can be used in existing car models without needing big changes to the car’s main structure. This same system has already been put into the Hilux and Fortuner. Now, the Land Cruiser also gets this update. This means Toyota is adding electric power without losing its traditional diesel customers.

The newest Land Cruiser is built on a strong frame. This frame already makes the car very stiff. The hybrid system makes it even stronger. It gives the SUV more stability and better control on roads. It also keeps its good off-road abilities. The new hybrid Land Cruiser is now available in Europe. The first cars are expected to reach customers by the end of 2025.

This move by Toyota shows a clear path towards more efficient and capable vehicles. The integration of hybrid technology into popular models like the Land Cruiser and potentially the Fortuner for India highlights a broader industry trend. Car manufacturers are increasingly looking for ways to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions while still delivering the performance and durability that customers expect from their vehicles. This technology will likely become more common in the future, offering a balance between traditional power and new electric features. It will help these vehicles meet changing environmental rules and customer demands.