Toyota develops new 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain aiming for 15% lower fuel use
The new hybrid system is built around 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, smaller electric motors and compact power electronics, and is designed for several drive types.
Japanese automaker Toyota is developing a new generation of hybrid powertrain for vehicle platforms that can accommodate different drive types, novinky.cz reports. The system is based on a new family of 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, offered in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. They are paired with smaller and lighter electric motors, new inverters and more compact energy-management units. novinky.cz
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Fuel savings and integrated design
The main goal is fuel savings of at least 15 percent compared with current powertrains. Reduced mechanical friction, more efficient thermal management, lower electrical losses and improved vehicle aerodynamics contribute.
Engineers designed the combustion engine, hybrid module and power electronics as one integrated unit from the start, rather than adapting older engines for electrification. The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder is to replace in output both the current three-cylinder of the same displacement and the older 1.8-litre engine. Because the whole unit is lower, the hood line could be lowered, giving designers more freedom to shape more aerodynamic proportions.
Flexible platform and external sales
The new flexible platform allows a battery-electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid drive to be installed in a single base architecture. The manufacturer thus keeps identical cabin dimensions and silhouette regardless of the drive type. A shared structural base across types of electrification brings greater economies of scale and lets plants respond flexibly to changes in market demand. novinky.cz
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Toyota also expects to use the new hybrid systems with carbon-neutral and synthetic fuels. In the coming years, the company intends to offer the new engine and hybrid technologies to third parties. According to the report, the new generation is meant as both a transitional and a lasting solution in regions where charging infrastructure develops at a different pace.
