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Toyota
Alphard Hybrid Minivan
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The Toyota Alphard Hybrid
Minivan is the sixth hybrid vehicle offered by Toyota
(rolled out in 2003) and only in the Japanese market at
this time.
The Toyota Alphard Hybrid
Minivan sports the Toyota Hybrid System-CVT (or THS-C
as they like to call it) including a 2.4-litre gasoline
engine, front and rear electric motors, a continuously
variable transmission (CVT), high-output hybrid battery
pack and an E-Four electric four-wheel drive system.
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According to Toyota, "The E-Four electric 4WD system provides
better driving performance by using power from the rear-wheel
drive motor to optimize electric power distribution to all four
wheels according to driving conditions. It provides additional
drive power when needed, such as when accelerating from a standing
start or on slippery surfaces."
Toyota goes on to say the it's the "E-Four electric
4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling
electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution
to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake
system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control."
The full-size Alphard Hybrid Minivan qualifies as an Ultra-Low
Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving levels 75-percent lower
emissions than the Japanese government's 2000 benchmark.
The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically
for use in Toyota's hybrid systems and features a high-expansion
ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.
The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology,
that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in
order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire
works with the E-Four to maximize the collection of kinetic
energy from braking for conversion into electric power.
The Alphard Hybrid Minivan can generate up to 1,500 watts
and is equipped with standard 100-volt AC power outlets,
allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as
laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can
also be used to recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles
and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.
The Alphard Hybrid also offers some advanced safety features
not seen on other hybrids. In fact, standard on the "G
edition" and optional on standard grades are ( with
a G-BOOK compatible DVD voice navigation system):
- Blind Corner Monitor, which indicates the approach
of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and
right
- Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and
voice-guidance function, which uses signals from
a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse
path during reversing and display it on the monitor
screen
- Lane-monitoring system that uses images from the
Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral
distance to white or yellow lines on major highways
and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below
a pre-set level
- Radar Cruise Control, which uses laser radar sensors
and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle's
lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that
a safe distance is maintained in accordance with
vehicle speed
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In addition, optional on all grades is a built-in electronic
toll collection unit that allows for quick tollgate pass-through
(only available with a navigation system).
The Alphard Hybrid achieves approximately 42 mpg and boasts
an insulated body and newly developed two-way compressor
that is incorporated in the motor to optimize the use of
the air conditioner, conserving fuel. The Alphard Hybrid's
specially developed windshield glass also reduces the amount
of solar radiation penetration. In addition, the roof and
roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin
temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner
is operating.
While only available in Japan, the Toyota Alphard Hybrid
Minivan is worth checking out for those traveling to this
location. The Alphard's sister vehicle, the Sienna
Hybrid will most likely be the first hybrid minivan
introduced into the U. S. marketplace though the schedule
has not yet been announced. Toyota's smaller hybrid minivan,
the Estima
Hybrid is also only in Japanese markets and will
likely not be rolled out to the larger marketplace anytime
soon.
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