In line with its multi-pathway strategy, the fourth-generation Toyota Aphard and Vellfire have now gained a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain option over in Japan.
Available starting January 2025 in its home nation, the new PHEV variants will feature a modified version of the powertrain already available in the hybrid (HEV) variants, most notably a larger 51 Ah battery (5 Ah in the HEV) to give the PHEV models an electric-only range of up to 73 km (based on WLTC test cycle).
Otherwise, the powertrain setup is identical to the HEV, consisting of a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine, an e-CVT gearbox, alongside two electric motors distributed between the two axles. Eventhough the engine’s output has been lowered slightly here, overall system outputs have been increased to 306 hp, which Toyota says is achieved “by fully utilising the motor”.
With the significantly larger battery, Toyota says the new PHEV Alphard and Vellfire can achieve a fuel economy of approximately 6 L/100 km (WLTC test cycle). Charging can be done via either AC or DC power, the latter supporting fast charging of up to 50 kW at 125A, taking approximately 38 minutes to go from 0-80%.
The switch to a PHEV powertrain has also resulted in a few side benefits. For one, due to the larger battery mounted under the floor in the centre of the vehicle, the centre of gravity of the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire is actually 35 mm lower than their HEV counterparts. This, in combination with an “optimised body frame”, should translate to a more stable ride with “fewer vibrations”.
With the electric motors now doing most of the work to drive the car, the engines can spin at a lower RPM, and thus reducing engine noise. This is further complemented by additional sound insulation material, including the addition of urethane sponge to the body frame, to further improve quietness inside the cabin.
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Further enhancing comfort is the new Smooth Stop control system, which suppresses sudden nose-dives during braking to help stabilise the passengers’ seating positions. The climate control system can now also be operated without the engine running.
Additionally, the batteries on-board can also be used to power other appliances thanks to vehicle-to-load (V2L), supporting up to 1,500 kW of outputs. With an optional vehicle-to-home (V2H) device, the car can even serve as an emergency power source for your homes in case of blackouts and emergency! 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 an average 10 kWh power usage daily.
To mark out them out against the other variants, the PHEV Toyota Alphard and Vellfire will be equipped with several exclusive items, including a set of 19-inch aluminium wheels with a “silver sputtering” paintjob, a woodgrain steering wheel, as well as a new Ultrasuede roof lining.
The PHEV models will only be offered in the six-seat Executive Lounge guise, and as you’d expect, they won’t come cheap. The Toyota Alphard PHEV is priced at JPY10.65 million (approx. RM306k) in Japan, while the Vellfire PHEV comes in slightly more expensive at JPY10.85 million (approx. RM312k). For context, none of the other variants even breach the JPY10 million mark, with the next-in-line topping out at just JPY9.02 million (approx. RM259k).
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If that price tag made you jolt, the good news is the petrol and HEV variants have also seen several enhancements across the board, including the updated platform for improved ride comfort, new Digital Inner Mirror with built-in dashcam, as well as new interior creature comfort niceties, depending on variant.
These changes should also reflect on the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire here in Malaysia sometime next year, although the jury’s still out if UMW Toyota Motor will also be bringing in the PHEV models into Malaysia.
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