Europe Exclusive: Land Cruiser with Toyota Hybrid 48V Coming Soon

【PCauto】Toyota has recently confirmed that the European-spec Land Cruiser will be equipped with a new 2.8-liter diesel mild-hybrid system. Such powertrain incorporates 48V technology, maintaining its off-road capability while optimizing everyday driving performance. The Land Cruiser equipped with Toyota’s Hybrid 48V system is expected to start delivery by the end of 2025.

Although both are 48V mild-hybrid systems, Toyota's 48V mild-hybrid system fundamentally differs from the mainstream European Hybrid 48V. By applying technologies derived from THS (Toyota Hybrid System), Toyota's 48V mild-hybrid system possesses several distinct advantages.

Technical Specifications of Land Cruiser Diesel 48V Mild-Hybrid

The Land Cruiser continues to use the 1GD-FTV 2.8L diesel turbocharged engine (204 horsepower/500N·m) and introduces a 48V system consisting of three parts: a permanent magnet synchronous motor-generator, 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery pack, and DC-DC converter.

The electric motor provides an additional 16hp and 65N·m of torque, primarily assisting during start-up and low-speed operation. The drivetrain has been upgraded to an 8-speed automatic transmission, improving fuel efficiency by approximately 6%. For off-road capability, the motor is placed high on the engine, while the IP67-rated waterproof DC-DC converter maintains 700mm wading depth. The dual-arm belt tensioner uses a core layer of aramid fiber and a cotton fabric surface layer to ensure transmission stability, ensuring drivetrain stability during off-road driving and water crossings.

The battery pack incorporates a dedicated air-cooling system with air intakes positioned below the windshield. Combined with a dust filter, this ensures stable operation in environments from -30°C to 60°C.

Differences Between Toyota and European Automakers' 48V Hybrid Technologies

The Toyota 48V hybrid system is developed from THS technology, which is fundamentally different from the P0 architecture (BSG motor external design) used by European automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.  

The motor control program originates from the second-generation Focusing on the characteristics of diesel engine, it has been optimized in three key aspects: a high-rigidity crankshaft damper to absorb torque fluctuations, motor coils embedded with anti-vibration resin, and a belt reinforced with cotton fiber layers to enhance the wet friction coefficient.

Toyota's 48V hybrid system converts the motor into a generator during vehicle braking, recovering kinetic energy to the battery (efficiency reaching 80%); during acceleration, the system directly assists the crankshaft output through belt drive.

Advantages of Toyota Hybrid 48V System

The Toyota 48V hybrid system delivers fast power response, achieving full torque output at just 1500rpm, which is 0.3 seconds faster than European systems. It also features stronger adaptability to extreme environments, as its battery temperature control system enables continuous motor assistance for up to 20 minutes during hill climbing (compared with about 10 minutes for European systems). Its energy management strategy is more intelligent: when the slope sensor detects an incline greater than 10%, it automatically extends the assist to 15 seconds, while on unpaved roads, it reduces the recovery intensity to prevent tire slippage.

European Land Cruiser lineup Is Equipped with Toyota 48V Hybrid System

Orders are now open, with the starting price expected to increase by no more than 5% from the current €74,000 (approximately RM370,000). The North American market will primarily introduce a 2.4-liter gasoline hybrid version. David Terai, a Toyota’s engineer, emphasized that Toyota 48V Hybrid System adheres to the philosophy of "off-road-first electrification"and will be applied to models like the Hilux in the future. The first batch of Land Cruiser vehicles equipped with Toyota’s Hybrid 48V system will debut at the Paris Auto Show in October.