Toyota Land Cruiser's Future Options: PHEV, Hydrogen, and EV

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its rugged off-roading capabilities, is set to stay on the road until 2030. In order to achieve this, Toyota's engineers are currently evaluating the costs and benefits of different powertrain options, including electric, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hydrogen.

While the latest generation of the Land Cruiser maintains its classic appearance, it is heading towards a new-school future to comply with tightening emissions regulations worldwide. Toyota has already made progress by equipping the new Land Cruiser with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. This powertrain combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, an integrated electric motor, and a 1.87 kWh battery. The result is an impressive combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

However, the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain may not be sufficient to meet the requirements of all markets where Toyota intends to sell the Land Cruiser. To address this, the automaker is exploring the possibility of incorporating plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and all-electric drivetrains into the model.

Toyota's engineers have the advantage of flexibility in choosing the most suitable solution for the Land Cruiser. The vehicle is based on the TNGA-F platform, which was designed to accommodate various energy drivetrains, including internal combustion engines. Nevertheless, adapting the platform for a new powertrain will require adjustments, and each powertrain option comes with its own set of compromises, as explained by Keita Moritsu, the Land Cruiser's chief engineer.

According to Moritsu, each powertrain option has its own challenges and advantages, so a multi-pathway approach is necessary. For instance, while electric powertrains produce zero local emissions, the limitations of battery technology may affect their performance in extreme temperatures. This could be a concern for the Land Cruiser, which is designed to operate in remote locations.

Plug-in hybrid powertrains could address some of the range concerns associated with electric powertrains, but they still rely on an internal combustion engine, resulting in local emissions. This may not align with Toyota's reputation as a brand resistant to fully electric vehicles.

On the other hand, hydrogen fuel cell systems offer long-range driving capabilities, but they require bulky equipment that could reduce passenger volume. Additionally, the lack of refueling infrastructure for hydrogen is another challenge to consider.

While Toyota has not yet made a final decision, the company is carefully evaluating the costs and benefits of each powertrain option to determine the most suitable choice for the Land Cruiser's future.

FutureCar Staff