The introduction of the mild-hybrid tech on the Prado in Europe comes close on the heels of Toyota introducing the hybrid powertrain to the Land Cruiser 300 in select markets, including the Middle East.
The mild-hybrid system includes three primary components: an electric motor-generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter. The hybrid battery features 13 cells: a total capacity of 4.3Ah.
The motor-generator replaces the alternator and is driven by the engine to charge the battery. It also recovers energy during deceleration and engine braking.
The Prado gets the same hybrid-assisted 2.8-litre diesel engine used in the mild-hybrid version of the Toyota Hilux, which is available globally and the newly launched Fortuner Neo Drive in India.
Benefits of the 48V system include improved engine start-stop responsiveness, faster restarts after engine shutdown and provision of additional 16 bhp and 65 Nm during initial acceleration.
Toyota has announced that all the Land Cruiser Prado models sold in Europe will come standard with this new 48V mild-hybrid system.