Toyota Fortuner's New 48V Mild Hybrid Tech Explained [Video]
Toyota recently launched the much-awaited mild-hybrid (MHEV) versions of the Fortuner SUV in India. First launched in the South African market, the Fortuner MHEV features a new-age 48V system that gives it a notable fuel efficiency boost. In a video shared on Toyota's official YouTube channel, we get to see the 48V tech in detail...
Toyota Fortuner's 48V Tech Explained
The newly developed 48V system comprises a conventional diesel engine and a compact 48V unit. Unlike many other hybrid systems, the 48V unit here is quite lightweight. Many vehicles feature Idle Start/Stop technology for improved fuel efficiency. Compared to those, the new 48V system will have notable advantages in the way it functions. It is claimed to smoothen out the process of getting the engine started. Plus, it is claimed to have water resistance equivalent to that of non-hybrid vehicles.
This system consists of three units- a 48V motor/generator, DC-DC converter, and a battery pack- which are added to the vehicle with a conventional engine. The DC-DC converter is the controlling unit among these. Unlike the Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) found on some vehicles, the 48V system is a relatively simple unit, and lighter as well. Its unique structure allows for safe water crossings. While the THS II houses two motor generators, the 48V system gets just one, which is neatly integrated into the main engine.
The mild hybrid system ensures a comfortable driving system by optimising the Start/stop operation and improves the fuel efficiency as well. The effects of the former can be particularly felt in city drives and in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Toyota claims that this system generates more torque upto high rpms than conventional gear-driven generators as it uses a belt drive. This also means that the restarts are smoother.
The setup also offers torque assist, which has a hand in improving the fuel efficiency as well. Smoother restarts will further have a positive impact on the driver as it reduces fatigue. Additionally, there is a regenerative braking mechanism which recuperates energy lost while braking and stores it in the battery pack.
The motor/generator uses a belt drive which Toyota claims, has high-strength ribs which won't lose traction even when they get submerged. The generator and converter are positioned in a way that water-crossing abilities remain unaffected. It supports wading depths of up to 700 mm (at low vehicle speeds).
More About Fortuner MHEV
The introduction of the MHEV powertrain has made the Fortuner dearer by 2 lakh rupees. It has interestingly been one of those products that has sustained demand despite having a hefty price tag.
Though the SUV offers both petrol and diesel powertrain choices, the MHEV tech comes on the diesel alone. The base powertrain here is a 2.8-liter turbocharged unit which produces 201 Bhp and 500 Nm. While the regular Fortuner diesel comes with a fuel efficiency of 12.66 kpl, the MHEV offers a slightly higher 13.15 kmpl.
In many global markets, both 2WD and 4WD versions of the SUV get the MHEV powertrain. In India, it is offered only on the 4WD version. The India-spec also misses out on the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite.
Most things inside the cabin remain the same as the standard SUV. The feature list, however, has been enhanced by adding the likes of a 360-degree camera, and selectable terrain modes. On the safety front, it comes with 7 airbags, hill ascent and descent assist, and traction control.
Now, the Fortuner has a starting price of Rs 35.37 lakh, ex-showroom, for the base variant, while the top-spec variant (GR-S 4x4 AT) commands a whopping 51.94 lakh, ex-showroom.