Toyota introduces smart technology to optimize EV range with new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid 220
22 September 2024
The new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid 220 uses innovative technology to make smart decisions which improve real-world driving efficiency.
For downtown driving, the new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid 220 uses a combination of hardware and software innovations to achieve an EV range to match European customer needs. When used exclusively on city or urban streets, it achieves an equivalent all-electric range of between 97 km and 106 km (WTLP EAER City) depending on the exact vehicle specifications.
A Predictive Efficient Drive system uses live data and information from previous trips to automatically optimise PHEV system functionality for enhanced efficiency. It includes a geo-fencing function.
The system analyzes road and traffic conditions via the cloud navigation and combines this with ongoing learning of a user’s regular routes and driving style. The vehicle automatically switches between hybrid and electric modes to enhance EV range for low emission zones. If the destination requires travel through a BEV-mandatory zone, the geo-fencing system ensures sufficient charge to do so entirely in EV mode. If the destination is within a low emission zone, the system automatically retains enough charge to complete the journey in EV mode.
Another Predictive Efficient Drive element—Predictive Deceleration Support—works to reduce the loss of regenerated energy, contributing to improve fuel economy. Utilizing the information from previous journeys, navigation system data identifies regular locations for deceleration and automatically increases engine braking force to enhance regenerative braking energy recovery.
When highways or uphill sections are approaching, which require additional power, the system proactively selects hybrid mode to charge the battery for the anticipated high demand, further enhancing practical fuel efficiency. The system becomes increasingly effective as more kilometers are driven, enabling ever more efficient use of electric power.
Greater efficiency with the Plug-in Hybrid 220 is also achieved through hardware innovations. When plugged in, a battery heating system reduces the time taken to recharge, which enhances the vehicle’s EV range in cold weather. During operation, the battery is cooled when needed to optimize performance and range while an innovative heat pump air conditioning system reduces the impact on EV driving range by using thermal energy from the air outside to heat the cabin.
When the battery is depleted on longer journeys, the Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid 220 switches automatically to hybrid mode, giving drivers the reassurance and flexibility of Toyota’s class-leading hybrid technology for continuous efficiency and peace of mind on every trip.
The Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid 220 features an advanced PHEV system, consisting of a 163 DIN HP (120 kW) electric motor on the front axle, with energy stored in a high-output 13.6 kWh Li-ion battery, alongside a 2.0 liter engine with 152 DIN HP (112 kW).
Sounds pretty cool, will work well for people with predictable urban and suburban commutes, not so well with people with more variable drive patterns.
It is a lot of engine for quite a small car,
120 kW electric motor, 13.6 kWh battery and a 2L petrol.
Posted by: mahonj | 22 September 2024 at 07:53 AM
Agree, Jim. A PHEV version needs downsizing of the petrol engine to a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder unit that Toyota already has that is powering the entry-level Lexus hybrid. The high power of the much bigger battery pack will more than make up for the modest reduction in power of the petrol engine. This will shave off some weight and some cost that will make the PHEV more appealing and more affordable.
The "Smart Technology" sounds like a gimmick, because with a hefty e-motor and battery pack, the vehicle could be driven in all-electric mode for all of the typical daily driving needs. For those who drive more than the 40-mi all-electric range that the battery pack provides can also charge at work to realize 80-mi total all-electric driving range. Those who need to commute over 80-mi a day really need to move closer to their work place. Too long a commute adds to traffic jam problem and increases the risk of car accident.
Posted by: Roger Pham | 22 September 2024 at 12:09 PM
On the other hand, maybe it doesn't cost Toyota much extra to build a 2L engine than a 1,5 L engine. They usually sell the larger engines for more than the smaller ones, but the actual A vs B cost in a factory may be minimal.
And they may be able to run the engine so that it consumes less fuel than the smaller one if they can use the battery for boost power.
If what they say is true ( ~100km electric drive (in town) from a 13.7 kWh PHEV) it is impressive.
Real world testing will tell.
Posted by: mahonj | 23 September 2024 at 01:09 AM
How does this match European customers' needs? They can buy a cheaper Peugeot, VW (Skoda, Cupra, etc.), Renault, that doesn't need to be charged every day, has more usable space, doesn't require oil changes or expensive gasoline.
It really shows that Toyota bet on the wrong horse for developed markets. Hybrid tech was innovative 30 years ago (!), but it hasn't evolved with the times.
Posted by: Bernard | 23 September 2024 at 05:50 AM
Adding to this, the CH-R sells for around 36,000€ in hybrid form (starting price). The European market is full of similar-footprint EVs in that price range. Most of these offer more usable space. The CHR has a tiny boot and very tight rear seating. Realistically, a family would cross-compare it with smaller cars like the Renault 5 E-Tech which starts around 25,000€.
I doubt that Toyota could make-up a 10,000€ difference with a slightly cheaper motor. They would need to get rid of the motor, transmission, and fuel tank entirely, and then design a new platform from a blank sheet; but they don't have the tech to do that yet.
Posted by: Bernard | 23 September 2024 at 10:59 AM
@Jim,
Downsizing the engine from 2-liter 4-cylinder to 1.5 liter 3-cylinder will shave off around 100 lbs from the engine weight, and more if one consider the use of smaller and lighter engine accessories...and lower engine production cost by around $2,000 USD. Why not, since Toyota already has the 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine on the shelf ready to go.
Most important is that there will be more free space in the engine compartment to make it easier to service and repair under the hood. As it is today, the engine bays in the Prius and CH-R are extremely cramped, stuffed full, and that makes it very difficult to service or replace anything, and therefore would much increase repair time and cost because it is very inaccessible. The most frustrating thing about the Prius is that one has to remove a lot of components to reach anywhere under the hood.
Posted by: Roger Pham | 26 September 2024 at 11:41 AM