Toyota Launches Japan’s First Plug-In Hybrid Minivan

The Alphard and Vellfire PHEVs can travel up to 45 miles in pure electric mode.
Toyota has launched plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its highly-trending Alphard and Vellfire minivans, The PHEV minivans are Japan’s first. Both vehicles that had been entirely revamped last year, are now equipped with a charging port and are the highest trims of their respective lineups.
These six-seater minivans are equipped with the same lithium-ion battery pack placed under the floor and are expected to have a 45 miles (73 kilometers) electric range according to the WLTCcycle in Japan. The stated number will more than likely be lower under WLTP or EPA tests. A 50 kW charging session is claimed to get you to 80% in around 38 minutes, however, Toyota has not disclosed the battery’s initial state of charge.
Inside the engine bay, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter gasoline engine is combined with electric motors to give a total of 302 horsepower. The E-Four AWD system from Toyota includes an electric motor on each axle. Additionally, the battery location has helped Toyota lower the center of gravity by 1.37 inches (35 millimeters) compared to the hybrid models, thus increasing stability.
Moreover, the Alphard and Vellfire PHEVs can be charged in both directions. Therefore, they could be used as power sources if a situation necessitated it. Under a full charge scenario for the battery and gas tank, they would be able to provide electricity for 5.5 days calculated on a daily consumption of 10 kWh.
The starting prices demonstrate the vehicles’ premium status – the Alphard costs around $68,000 and the Vellfire $69,000, which is more than twice the price of the hybrids. Among the aesthetic feature changes are the 19-inch wheels exclusive to the models, a suede headliner, and woodgrain steering wheel with leather accents.
Plug-in hybrid minivans are still a rare breed on the global market. The production of such vehicles outside Japan sees very limited choices, such as the Chrysler Pacifica in North America and a few models there, for example, the Buick GL8 PHEV and Voyah Dream. The question is still open though if Lexus LM, which is a luxurious version of Alphard, will also be launched in a PHEV variant.
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