Toyota Motor Corporation has announced that it will commence sales of its all-new Alphard and Vellfire Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV; six-seater) models in Japan on January 31, 2025. Gasoline and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models of the Alphard and Vellfire have also been improved, and sales will commence on January 7, 2025.
The joy of comfortable mobility offered by PHEVs
The Alphard and Vellfire (gasoline and HEV models), which were completely redesigned in June 2023, were developed from the concept of “the joy of comfortable mobility” to create a space where everyone, from the driver to rear seat passengers, can share consideration and appreciation in all kinds of situations, whether traveling with loved ones and family members or taking important visitors to and from work. The platform has been overhauled to offer significant improvements to basic performance, such as riding experience and comfort, making them suitable for a wide range of customers, from families to VIPs.
The new PHEV models offer improved quietness and riding experience, enhancing the joy of comfortable mobility offered to the driver and rear seat passengers in all kinds of situations.
Comfort has been enhanced through the quietness of a BEV, which produces minimal noise and vibrations, and the low center of gravity and stability provided by the large-capacity lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. The ability to drive with care for the surrounding environment, such as during late-night pick-ups and drop-offs, has also been further enhanced to make it more suitable for use as a chauffeured car.
Air conditioning can also be operated using electricity and doesn’t require the engine to be started while waiting for pick-up as a chauffeured car, helping to maintain a comfortable space and contributing to the environment.
The Plug-in Hybrid System enables BEV-mode driving for many daily chauffeured trips, using only the electricity stored in the battery (BEV-mode driving range equivalent to 73 km). The engine can be used for traveling long distances with peace of mind.
PHEVs are one of many important pathways for achieving carbon neutrality. Going forward, Toyota intends to continue its multi-pathway approach, promoting the widespread uptake of electrified vehicles by expanding its line-up to cater to diverse needs.
Improvements to gasoline / HEV models
All models are now equipped with a Digital Inner Mirror with built-in dash cams (front and rear) as standard. The Z and Z Premier grades are now available with a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) and a 14-inch rear-seat entertainment system to further enhance cabin comfort.
In addition, three exterior body colors are available for the Vellfire, including a new exclusive Precious Metal color that accentuates the vehicle’s aggressive demeanor. An eight-seater X grade has also been added to the Alphard HEV.
Sales Outline
Base sales volume for Japan8,600 units per month (approx. 70% Alphard and 30% Vellfire; monthly sales target for PHEV models: 200 units/month)
Production Plant
Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. (Toyota Auto Body)
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices
Alphard
| Grade | Seating | Powertrain | Transmission | Driveline | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | 8 | 2.5-liter Series Parallel Hybrid System (A25A-FXS) | Electric continuously variable transmission | 2WD (FF) | 5,100,000 |
| E-Four | 5,320,000 | ||||
| Z | 7 | 2.5-liter gasoline engine (2AR-FE) | Super CVT-i | 2WD (FF) | 5,550,000 |
| 4WD | 5,748,000 | ||||
| 2.5-liter Series Parallel Hybrid System (A25A-FXS) | Electric continuously variable transmission | 2WD (FF) | 6,350,000 | ||
| E-Four | 6,570,000 | ||||
| Executive Lounge | 7 | 2.5-liter Series Parallel Hybrid System (A25A-FXS) | Electric continuously variable transmission | 2WD (FF) | 8,600,000 |
| E-Four | 8,820,000 | ||||
| 6 | 2.5-liter Series Parallel Plug-in Hybrid System (A25A-FXS) | Electric continuously variable transmission | E-Four | 10,650,000 |
Vellfire
| Grade | Seating | Powertrain | Transmission | Driveline | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z Premier | 7 | 2.4-liter Turbo engine (T24A-FTS) | Direct Shift-8AT | 2WD (FF) | 6,700,000 |
| 4WD | 6,898,000 | ||||
| 2.5-liter Series Parallel Hybrid System (A25A-FXS) | Electric continuously variable transmission | 2WD (FF) | 7,050,000 | ||
| E-Four | 7,270,000 | ||||
| Executive Lounge | 7 | 2.5-liter Series Parallel Hybrid System (A25A-FXS) | Electric continuously variable transmission | 2WD (FF) | 8,800,000 |
| E-Four | 9,020,000 | ||||
| 6 | 2.5-liter Series Parallel Plug-in Hybrid System (A25A-FXS) | Electric continuously variable transmission | E-Four | 10,850,000 |
Overview of PHEV models
2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid System for environmental and dynamic performance
- The PHEV models achieve a driving range of 73 km on a full charge, enabling BEV-mode driving for many daily chauffeured trips using electricity stored in the battery. On longer drives, the engine supplements battery power that ensures the cruising range needed for traveling long distances with peace of mind.
- A large-capacity lithium-ion battery has been mounted under the floor in the center of the vehicle, maintaining cabin space while further lowering the center of gravity (-35 mm compared to HEV). This, in combination with an optimized body frame, ensures a comfortable riding experience and stability with fewer vibrations.
- A new Smooth Stop control system, which suppresses sudden nose-dives when decelerating, helps stabilize passenger seating positions to achieve a high riding experience.
- Equipped with a high-output density drive motor, the PHEV models reach a maximum system output of 225 kW (306 PS) and, by fully utilizing the motor, achieve smooth acceleration.
- Achieves hybrid fuel economy of 16.7 km/L.
- Engine noise has been reduced by increasing the motor assist range and suppressing engine revolutions. In addition, road noise has been reduced through the addition of sound insulation material to the instrument panel, doors, and other interior materials, as well as the addition of urethane sponge to the body frame, improving quietness.
- Auto BEV / HEV mode switching control has been used, whereby the driving load for each section of the route to the destination is anticipated, such as whether it will be city or mountain driving. BEV mode is used for the most appropriate sections of the route to achieve efficient driving, which contributes to low fuel consumption.
Charging and power supply functions characteristic of a PHEV
- The vehicle is equipped with both standard charging and rapid charging functions. Charging time is approximately 38 minutes (for approximately 80% of a full charge), providing significant time savings over standard charging with a 200V charging cable.
- The vehicle is equipped with a maximum 1,500W (AC 100V) external power supply function as standard―useful during blackouts and other emergencies, as well as for outdoor leisure activities. In addition to an accessory electrical socket in the luggage compartment and the rear end of the center console box, the PHEV model comes with a vehicle power connector that, when plugged into the vehicle’s charging inlet, functions as an external power socket providing 1,500W (AC 100V).
- The vehicle is equipped with Vehicle to Home (V2H), a system that allows electricity stored in the vehicle battery to be supplied to the home, enabling the vehicle to be used as a reliable storage battery during blackouts and other times of emergency. By connecting the V2H device (sold separately), the electricity stored in the vehicle battery can be used as household electricity.
- The vehicle comes with both a BEV external power supply mode, which enables electricity stored in the battery to be used to supply external power for outdoor, leisure, and other activities, and an HEV external power supply mode, which enables the car to be used as a power supply during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies. In the HEV external power supply mode, electricity is supplied from the battery only until the remaining power falls to a set level, after which the engine starts to supply electricity. With a full battery charge and a full tank of gas, this system can provide enough electricity for about 5.5 days of use.
- The PHEV models come with a “My Room Mode” that lets users enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from the external power source by turning the power switch on while charging. Creating a comfortable interior space without running the engine is a feature that turns the cabin into an additional room that can be used for teleworking, rest, or any other activities.
PHEV-specific equipment
- The PHEV models come with exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels with silver sputtering paint that accentuates its elegance as standard.
- A woodgrain steering wheel and a ceiling covered in Ultrasuede® create a high-quality, special cabin space.
Alphard Executive Lounge (2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid, E-Four, six-seater) (Interior color: Neutral Beige)
Vellfire Executive Lounge (2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid, E-Four, six-seater) (Interior color: Sunset Brown)
