Toyota believes that diesel powertrains will remain viable for the foreseeable future due to advancements in electrification and synthetic fuels. According to Toyota Australia, diesel engines still have decades of life left, despite the global shift towards electrification and lower emissions.
In an interview with Drive, Toyota’s Australian sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley dismissed reports suggesting that diesel powertrains, such as the one found in the popular Hilux ute, are facing extinction. Hanley emphasized that diesel is not dead and still has a significant role to play in the automotive industry.
Hanley acknowledged the need for diesel engines to evolve and adapt to meet stricter emission standards. Toyota has already introduced a 48-volt assisted 2.8-liter turbodiesel powertrain in its HiLux model, known as ‘V-Active Technology,’ which promises a 10% improvement in fuel economy.
Diesel-electric hybrids are also being considered as a way to reduce fleet emissions, especially in light of proposed new vehicle emissions standards. While diesel hybrids have been available in Europe from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, Peugeot, and Volvo, most models have been discontinued in favor of fully electric vehicles.
Toyota is exploring various options to make diesel engines more sustainable, including the use of synthetic diesel fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). HVO, produced from the treatment of plant waste with hydrogen, promises to reduce emissions by up to 90% without modifications to existing diesel vehicles.
The automotive industry is expected to continue evaluating different fuel sources, but diesel is likely to remain a key player for the next decade. As Toyota prepares to launch the new generation Prado with a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and a 48-volt system, the company remains committed to improving the sustainability of diesel powertrains.
Overall, Toyota’s stance on diesel powertrains reflects the industry’s ongoing efforts to balance sustainability with performance and efficiency. By embracing electrification and exploring alternative fuels, Toyota aims to ensure that diesel engines remain a viable option for consumers in the years to come.
