The 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado will lastly welcome a hybrid powertrain (although not in Australia, the place for now we’ll persevere with a 48-volt delicate hybrid model of the carryover diesel engine), however that appears to be just the start of the model’s inexperienced imaginative and prescient.
In truth, the Prado‘s chief engineer, Keita Moritsu, concedes the present powertrain choices gained’t be sufficient to see the massive SUV make it by way of to 2030 – given ever-stricter emissions laws showing in lots of its markets – and says he’s already contemplating a variety of other powertrains to future-proof the mannequin.
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Talking on the car’s launch in Japan, Moritsu advised media that the model was learning a BEV, PHEV and gas cell powertrain for the Prado, however stated no choice had been made, and that every powertrain choice introduced its personal strengths and weaknesses.
“Every has tough factors and benefit factors,” Moritsu advised Automotive Information. “So we want to consider how one can method underneath the multi-pathway.”
Based on reviews, the advantages of a completely electrical Prado would in fact be unlocking zero-emission motoring, however Moritsu says present battery expertise wouldn’t ship the towing functionality required, particularly in Australia or the Center East’s scorching summers. Whereas solid-state batteries would assist, Toyota’s engineer says that expertise continues to be far off manufacturing.
Plug-in hybrids can ship each driving vary and towing capability, however they nonetheless depend on an ICE engine, particularly when distant from public charging infrastructure.
Hydrogen gas cell expertise – one thing Toyota stays a pacesetter in – is another choice, however the model is aware of refuelling infrastructure is pricey, and presently non-existent.
One other drawback, says Moritsu, is that Toyota’s TGNA-F platform, which underpins its US pickup vehicles, the LandCruiser 300 Sequence and the brand new Prado, isn’t truly designed for various powertrain expertise past a standard hybrid, which means adjustments must be made as soon as the model picks a route.
“We are going to attempt to alter the platform to accommodate,” Moritsu advised media.
However the model clearly is aware of a choice is required, as the necessity to go inexperienced gained’t have the ability to ignored for for much longer.