In the seemingly relentless race towards an electric motoring future, Toyota has remained an industry anti-disruptor. For a start, they have refused to put all their batteries in one basket, as it were, by going all in on battery-operated vehicles. Instead, Toyota recognises the potential of continued R&D on several alternative power options, including hydrogen internal combustion engines, fuel cell electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid, hybrid electric vehicles, and alternative fuel internal combustion engines. They have also implemented changes at a pace that ICE-accustomed customers can feel comfortable with. Case in point: the new Hilux Raider 48V.
Until now, bakkies as a segment – certainly in this country – have been largely left out of the EV race. This is most likely due to the vast power needs of workhorse bakkies and also possibly because bakkie owners may – arguably – be some of the dyed-in-the-wool ICE drivers most reluctant to change. You’d be particularly hard-pressed to get a South African Hilux owner to relinquish their beloved bakkie, and that’s where Toyota has been incredibly clever because they won’t need to. Instead, the mild-hybrid Hilux Raider 48V is ideal for bakkie owners to dip their toes in the water of electric motoring while retaining everything they love about their favourite bakkie.
NOTHING MILD ABOUT IT
Unlike a plug-in hybrid, which can run on battery power alone, a mild hybrid uses its battery for auxiliary functions to assist an existing ICE engine. As its name would imply, Hilux 48V models (exclusive to select 4×2 and 4×4 double-cab Legend and Raider derivatives as well as the Fortuner) make use of a motor generator, 48-volt battery, and DC/DC converter paired with a 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel four-cylinder powertrain and six-speed automatic transmission. The engine does all the heavy lifting as usual, but the battery runs the new – and, may we say, impressively seamless – stop-start system. Allowing the engine to switch off longer than possible for a typical ICE engine when stationary, translates into savings at the pumps – as much as 10% compared to a standard 2.8-litre engine (plus an average CO2 saving of 9%).
It also makes a difference in take-off, which is now noticeably smoother and faster than its ICE Hilux siblings, with an estimated torque boost of 65 Nm and a power boost of 12 kW. This also adds to the vehicle’s driving responsiveness and smooth acceleration, and Toyota claims a 20% improvement in idling speed (from 720 to 600 rpm). The motor generator assists with braking as it recovers braking energy when the vehicle decelerates.
The new DC/DC converter and 48V battery have been made compact enough to fit within the existing Hilux frame (which helps to keep manufacturing costs down), and – being located under the back seats – they don’t impact cabin space. At a mere 7.6 kg, the battery won’t weigh down the bakkie, while the position of the motor generator unit high up in the engine bay ensures that the Hilux’s off-roading prowess remains unaffected by its new additions. If anything, it’s now even better off-road, thanks to the addition of Multi-Terrain Select for different wheel traction settings on various road surfaces.
TRUCK NIPS AND TUCKS
As befitting its new foray into electric motoring, the Raider has also undergone a little refresh with black outside mirrors and outside door handles (on the 2.8 Raider) and a more rugged-looking redesigned front bumper, attractive honeycomb grille and fog lamp bezels, and black rear bumper and tailgate handle across the range. The 48V derivatives also add one-touch power windows, push start, smart entry, and Multi-Terrain Select.
The Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT 48V is priced at R785,400, while the Raider 2.8 GD-6 4×4 6AT 48V will set you back R876,600.
LAST WORD
The Hilux 48V has all the attributes that Hilux fans love, but it now comes with added eco street cred. It is also a comfortable and easy step towards electrification for those who have been hesitant to do so up until now and may even save you money at the pumps. Sounds like a win-win to us.
PRICING
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V Raider R785,400
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V Legend R869,100
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4 Raider R876,600
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4 Legend R921,800
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V Legend RS R967,500Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4 Legend RS R1,023,400