KATHMANDU: Toyota has developed a new 1.5-liter gasoline engine for its next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, promising more than 15% better fuel efficiency.
The new four-cylinder engine will be available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. It is smaller than Toyota’s existing 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter engines and has been developed specifically for electrified powertrains.
Toyota has designed the engine, hybrid system and power electronics together to reduce energy losses and improve efficiency. The system will also use smaller electric motors and silicon carbide power electronics.
The new powertrain is being developed for Toyota’s upcoming multi-pathway platform, which is designed primarily for electric vehicles but can also accommodate hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
According to Toyota, the platform will allow different powertrains to share the same basic vehicle architecture without compromising interior space or performance. Its compact design could also allow lower hoods and sportier vehicle styling.
