It’s no secret that Toyota is electrifying its pickup and SUV lineup. Japan’s largest automaker has mentioned this before and had even shown a mild hybrid prototype before. It was first fitted in a Hilux, and we’re certain that it will be featured in more models down the line.
Now, Toyota has finally made it official. The 2024 Toyota Hilux has been revealed in Europe and features mild electrification. The pickup is the first production Toyota model to feature this technology, integrating a 48V system to its tried and tested 2.8-liter turbodiesel.
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From the outside, there isn’t much difference between the 2024 model and the ones we’re seeing in showrooms right now. The only notable changes we saw were subtle tweaks to the grille and a new set of alloy wheel designs. But, of course, it’s under the hood is where the main highlight sits.
That, of course, is the mild hybrid system, but it packs newer tech from other Toyota models. For starters, it uses lithium-ion batteries instead of nickel-metal hydride packs. It’s also light, Toyota says, weighing in at just 7.6 kilograms. The 48V battery also supplies the vehicle’s 12V system through a new DC/DC converter.
There are also performance enhancements thanks to the mild electrification, claims Toyota. For starters, the regenerative braking system that charges up the batteries can also assist in braking. At the same time, the compact motor produces 16hp and 65Nm of torque with a part of that giving the truck a few more horses. Total system output wasn’t mentioned, but expect it to be more than the current model’s 201hp and 500Nm rating.
For those wondering if it’s flood resistant, Toyota made several measures to keep its hybrid system as dry as possible. The belt-starter generator (BSG) is mounted up high, so it will take a lot of water before it even reaches it. In case of water ingress, the belt of the BSG is uses high-strength ribs to prevent slippage when submerged. Also, the 48-volt battery and DC-DC converter are placed in the car and not exposed to the elements. That means a water wading capacity of 700mm, same as the non-hybrid Toyota Hilux.
It’s yet to be known if the mild hybrid Hilux will make its way to the Southeast Asian versions of the Hilux. But given that Toyota is determined to electrify all its models down the line, it’s more a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.
