This Is The Reason Why Toyota Names "Toyota Kinetic Assist" In The Hybrid Hilux 2024 System

Toyota Hilux MHEV shows skills in Kenya. (Doc. Toyota South Africa)

Toyota will strengthen its environmentally friendly vehicle portfolio by releasing a Hilux pickup model that uses mild-hybrid technology in the coming year. However, Toyota Australia chose not to refer to this system as a "mild-hybrid."

Reporting from the Drive page, Wednesday, August 30, Toyota Australia stated that the 48-volt light hybrid engine to be used in Hilux does not match the term "mild-hybrid" or "hybrid." Instead, Toyota has chosen to give this system the name "Toyota Kinetic Assist."

According to Sean Hanley, Australia's Head of Sales and Marketing of Toyota, this 48-volt system operates differently.

"In Toyota, the term 'hybrid' refers to a system where engines and electric motors work together or independently to drive vehicles. This does not apply to electric motors in the 48V system," explained Hanley.

Hanley also added that the 48V battery system does not play a role in driving vehicles as a whole. On the other hand, this system works in certain situations that support start/stop operations on cars, which ultimately helps save fuel.

"This system recharges while you drive, stores kinetic energy from braking, and facilitates smoother and faster starting and acceleration processes after removing the brake pedal in stop/start operations," added Hanley.

When Toyota Australia decided not to use the term "mild-hybrid" for Hilux, previously, Toyota showed off its skills with this truck pickup in the middle of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya, with a sticker that reads "hybrid" on the side.

During the rally in Kenya, this pickup runs a round on a barren terrain. Juha Kankkunen, the holder of four WRC world titles, and its co-driver, Jimmi Gathu, became the pilot. Kankkunen revealed that the use of hybrid mid technology improves the performance of this pickup truck compared to the non-hybrid model.

After trials were carried out on a barren terrain in Kenya, the truck proved to be very suitable for conditions on the African continent. The MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology used helps reduce carbon emissions through electric motors.

The MHEV Toyota Hilux is equipped with a 2.8 liter engine paired with a small electric motor generator. With a 48V battery, Toyota claims that this Hilux increases fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

In addition to increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, this configuration also improves driving quality and reduces noise and vibration in cars.

In 2026, Toyota plans to introduce a next-generation powertrain that can reduce its carbon footprint. The next electric car is promised to have an impressive range of up to 1,000 km.