Toyota Motor Europe (TME) is developing new hybrid powertrains and a shared vehicle architecture for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, aiming for fuel economy gains above 15%.
The system pairs a new family of four-cylinder, 1.5-litre engines with smaller, lighter electric motors, power control units and inverters.
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The engine line-up will include naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, designed specifically for electrified applications rather than adapted from conventional engines.
Toyota expects the efficiency improvements to come from reduced mechanical friction, better thermal management, lower electrical losses and reduced aerodynamic drag.
The hybrid system is being developed alongside a “multi-pathway platform” intended to support battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains.
In its statement, the company said: “Energy circumstances differ by region and country, as do customer needs and preferences. Toyota’s multi-pathway approach is designed to respond to this by offering a range of electrified powertrains and adjusting the mix to market demand. The next-generation hybrid system is designed to support this flexibility in vehicle development and in manufacturing.”
Toyota said this would not affect vehicle performance, cabin space, capability or exterior proportions.
The company added that the more compact, lower-profile package could allow lower bonnet heights and a wider range of design options.
According to Toyota, the shared architecture is meant to reduce financial and engineering demands by spreading development and manufacturing investment across different powertrain types.
It is also intended to let factories adjust their powertrain output to customer demand and regional market conditions.
The company plans to develop its engine and hybrid systems for use with renewable and carbon-neutral fuels and to increase external sales of the technologies in the coming years.
Toyota said the approach supports its broader multi-pathway strategy as battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles continue to grow.
TME operates eight manufacturing facilities across the UK, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey.
It is targeting full operational carbon neutrality in the region by 2040.
Earlier this month, TME said carbon-neutral production had begun at its engine plant in Deeside, North Wales.
