Hybrid powertrain of the all-new Yaris

Our leadership in hybrid electric technology is built on more than 20 years, 15 million sales and half a billion kilometres of experience. The Toyota Yaris was the first to introduce hybrid power to the small car market, and now the all-new, fourth-generation Yaris builds on that reputation with a new, fourth-generation hybrid powertrain.

Fourth-generation hybrid electric system

In the development of this high-tech new powertrain, the engineering team focused on the dual qualities of efficiency and driver enjoyment, with tuning and calibration to suit European roads. This is explained for us in the video below by hybrid expert Keisuke Morisaki, a senior manager at Toyota Motor Europe.

Data underlines the extent of the team’s technical achievements. For example, overall efficiency has increased by 22%, a figure that would traditionally come at the expense of performance. Yet total system output is actually 16% greater at 114bhp, the 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds represents a 15% improvement, and overtaking performance from 50 to 70mph has been cut by two seconds. CO2 emissions have dropped to 92g/km and the combined fuel economy figure is from 68.9mpg (WLTP cycle).

But one of the most immediately noticeable advancements is that the car’s all-electric EV capabilities have been transformed. It is now possible to drive in EV mode for much longer periods in urban traffic, and even maintain speeds of up to 80mph without assistance from the petrol engine. This endows the all-new Yaris with many of the benefits of a battery electric vehicle but at a lower price and no range anxiety.

Let’s now examine how each of the principal components in the hybrid system contribute to the new model’s enhanced efficiency and drivability.

M15A-FXE 1.5-litre hybrid engine

The all-new 1.5-litre hybrid engine (known internally by its M15A-FXE codename) is directly derived from the same TNGA engine family as the 2.0-litre unit employed in the Corolla and Toyota C-HR. It features a three cylinder configuration, long piston stroke, 14:1 compression ratio and super-fast combustion with optimal temperature and pressure control. This contributes to its exceptionally high thermal efficiency of 40%, which ensures that more of the energy potential from each drop of fuel is captured.

In common with all Toyota hybrid engines, the new M15A-FXE runs on the Atkinson combustion cycle, which keeps the intake valves open for longer in order to delay the compression stroke and improve efficiency. It offers a maximum output of 90bhp at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 120Nm at just 3,600rpm.

Hybrid transaxle

The hybrid transaxle (shown below) has been completely redesigned, adopting a new dual-axis structure that has reduced its size by 9.0%. This means that the two electric motor/generator units located within the transaxle now sit on their own shaft instead of being placed one behind the other. These motor/generators are known as MG1 and MG2.

MG1 starts the engine and generates power to charge both the hybrid battery and the 12V auxiliary battery. MG2, on the other hand, is the larger unit and is used to drive the vehicle through the front wheels. Benefitting from new segment-type coils on the stator, MG2 can deliver 59kW of power and 141Nm of torque at a maximum of 17,000rpm.

The transaxle also has a new ring gear-driven oil pump, which provides lubrication for both the gears and motor/generator units.

Lithium-ion hybrid battery

The all-new Yaris adopts a lithium-ion hybrid battery (below) that is not only more powerful but smaller and 12kg lighter than the nickel-metal hydride battery of the outgoing model. Voltage has risen from 144 to 177.6V although the number of cells has been reduced from 120 to 48. Current flow has also been significantly improved: output has increased by 50% while input, such as energy regeneration through the brakes, is 100% faster. Compact dimensions allow the battery to be located beneath the rear passenger seat so that luggage space is not compromised.

Power control unit

Often referred to as the PCU, this high-capacity power control unit is used to boost the voltage coming from the hybrid battery and convert it from direct to alternating current. The PCU uses transistor control for this inversion, and the efficiency of these transistors is optimised by arranging them vertically so they be cooled on both sides. More accurate heat control allows a higher frequency of current switching – up to 10,000 times a second – which makes a significant contribution to the system’s efficiency and transfer of power to the motor.

Power split device

This device is the heart of the hybrid system, governing the interaction between the aforementioned components. It enables the new Yaris to operate as a parallel hybrid with MG2 powering the car alone, or in combination with the hybrid petrol engine.

Learn more: Introducing the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Design features of the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Driving dynamics of the all-new Yaris
Learn more: Safety and equipment features of the all-new Yaris