Just over a year after the global debut of the fourth-generation Alphard and Vellfire, Toyota has now announced that it will begin selling both MPVs with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in Japan from January 31, 2025.
According to Toyota, the PHEV version of the Alphard and Vellfire will have an electric-only range of 73 km following the WLTC standard (more accurate than NEDC but with less procedures as WLTP) Said PHEV powertrain has similarities to the series-parallel hybrid (HEV) system already on sale, including the use of an A25A-FXS 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine and an E-CVT (electric continuously variable transmission).
However, the PHEV’s engine has lower outputs of 177 PS (174 hp or 130 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 219 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. By comparison, the HEV’s engine serves up 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 236 Nm from 4,300 to 4,500 rpm.
Another difference is the battery capacity, which is listed at 51 Ah for the PHEV while the HEV’s unit is 5 Ah. The PHEV’s lithium-ion battery is mounted under the floor in the centre of the vehicle, which Toyota says reduces the centre of gravity by 35 mm compared to HEV models.
The new PHEV models support both AC and DC charging, the latter capable of getting the battery to an 80% state of charge (presumably from 20%) in 38 minutes. In the footnotes, Toyota says rapid charging is with a charger capable of delivering an output of 50 kW or higher at a maximum current output of 125A.
An external power supply delivering up to 1.5 kW (AC 100V) is also equipped as standard, and the vehicles also come with a vehicle-to-home (V2H) system. With a full battery charge and a full tank of gas, this system can provide enough electricity for about 5.5 days of use, assuming the average household consumes 10 kWh daily.
While many aspects of the PHEV powertrain differ from the HEV, the electric motors are identical between the two. All Alphard and Vellfire PHEV models come with the brand’s E-Four system as standard, which features a 5NM front electric motor rated at 182 PS (180 hp or 134 kW) and 270 Nm, while the rear 4NM electric motor serves up 54 PS (54 hp or 40 kW) and 121 Nm.
The total system output of the PHEV system is 306 PS (302 hp or 225 kW), which is higher than the HEV and even turbocharged variants. As for fuel economy, the touted combined WLTC figure is 16.7 km/l, about 1 km/l better than the HEV options.
It’s worth pointing out that the PHEV models are only available in six-seat Executive Lounge guise and they aren’t cheap. The Alphard PHEV retails for 10.65 million yen (about RM306k), while the Vellfire PHEV is slightly more at 10.85 million yen (RM312k). For context, only the PHEV variants cross the 10-million-yen (RM287k) mark in Japan, with every other Alphard and Vellfire option being priced below that.
Toyota also claims improved comfort with the PHEV models, which produce minimal noise and vibration while in electric-only mode. The air-conditioning system can be operated without needing the engine to be started, useful to negate engine idling while the driver waits to pick-up passengers.
Other improvements mentioned include a new Smooth Stop control system that suppresses sudden nosedives when decelerating to help stabilise passenger seating positions. Specific equipment for the PHEV models includes 19-inch aluminium wheels with silver sputtering paint, a woodgrain steering wheel and a ceiling covered in Ultrasuede.
In addition to introducing PHEV variants, improvements have also been made to the petrol-only and HEV versions of the Alphard and Vellfire. These include an updated platform that is said to offer a better riding experience and comfort, while all variants now come standard with a Digital Inner Mirror that includes built-in dashcams front and rear.
The Z and Z Premier grades are now available with a 15-speaker JBL sound system and a 14-inch rear-seat entertainment system, while other updates include an eight-seat X grade for the Alphard HEV and three exterior body colours are offered for the Vellfire, including a new exclusive Precious Metal hue.
Customers can also get a Welcab version in X grade, which is a seven-seater with a side lift-up tilt seat. For those that want something similar to the Lexus LM but can’t afford that, Toyota Auto Body offers a four-seat version of the Alphard called the Spacious Lounge. This can be had with either a HEV or PHEV powertrain, and it comes with 420 mm more legroom than the base model, lounge-like seats with headrest speakers, a luggage clothes rack as well as a refrigerator.
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