Will the hybrid Tacoma be without the alternator, and only a starter for backup?

[Nuke]

As with the Tundra, when released, will the hybrid Tacoma eliminate the alternator, and the electric motor be the primary starter? Will the AC compressor be electric? In my opinion this will eliminate future failure points. However, I suppose the benefits may be offset by the added hybrid components such as two cooling systems, etc.? Will it be a wash? Opinions?

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[Independence Overland]

As with the Tundra, when released, will the hybrid Tacoma eliminate the alternator, and the electric motor be the primary starter? Will the AC compressor be electric? In my opinion this will eliminate future failure points. However, I suppose the benefits may be offset by the added hybrid components such as two cooling systems, etc.? Will it be a wash? Opinions?

I asked about this stuff heavily at the Overland Expos I attended this year, unfortunately I knew more about the trucks than they did, and it wasn’t just because they were hiding info. Several of these guys weren’t enthusiasts. here’s what I’ve collected since then.

Yes, it starts off the hybrid system. It should be a silent and seamless start just like the Tundra.

The truck does in fact have a traditional starter as a backup system. The engine is identical to the non hybrid.

The AC question I have not yet been able to solve. I’ve been interested in this too, because I’m curious how long it can run the AC if the battery is full. For the way I travel, it could be very useful for my dog.

I haven’t seen the full routing of the cooling system on the Tacoma yet but I know it’s less complicated than Tundra. The tundra has functional vents under the headlights and the Tacoma was originally designed so they would be functional on it as well, but they ended up doing faux vents because the design was set in stone. The exterior designer said this in an interview. So yes, it will still be more complicated than a traditional system but I don’t anticipate by much.

Edit:
On another note, Sheldon did mention that the TRD trucks would feature higher output alternators this time around for everyone’s after market accessories. From what I have seen, the non hybrid tops out at 180 amp alternator. I’ll be curious what the hybrids get and how much if that is actually useable amps.
I cant seem to catch on to the hybrid motor acting as a generator for these new powertrains. No, the hybrids do not have an alternator. Too much time around heavy equipment keeps telling my my monkey brain that they do.

My Fj Cruiser came from the factory with a 100 amp, and 2nd Gen Tacomas had a 130 amp while the Jeep Gladiator is available with a 240 amp. Modern computers in vehicle use a ton of power though so it’s hard to compare apples to apples. I’m very curious how much the Trailhunter and Pro will offer users.

With winching/Redarc system with a house battery if very much like to know how much spare power I can get out of these things.

Long rant sorry. I wish I had a way to sit down with Toyota and get some questions answered that people actually want to know, vs the regurgitated “it’s got 326 horsepower and a 14” screen”.

 

[Nuke]

Great information Independence Overland! All things considered, I think my choice will be the hybrid. One consideration, I did notice somewhere the starter and control module have predetermined and programmed lifespans, i.e. they must be replaced at a number of cycles. The system goes into a disabled mode, forcing the issue. However, as I recall the number was very high.

 

[Independence Overland]

Great information Independence Overland! All things considered, I think my choice will be the hybrid. One consideration, I did notice somewhere the starter and control module have predetermined and programmed lifespans, i.e. they must be replaced at a number of cycles. The system goes into a disabled mode, forcing the issue. However, as I recall the number was very high.

Thats interesting, I wonder what that number is/what it equates to as far as mileage or age. I would imagine by the time that rolls around, people will find work arounds or after market parts would be available. It will be interesting to see when the day comes.

I am all in on the hybrid, its the direction they will continue to go so I am just going to embrace it. Even when the hydrogen ICE engines get launched in the coming 10-15 years, I suspect these hybrid systems will continue to be a part of the package.

 

[Ron]

I would have paid for an option to get an extended battery to improve mpg and generator mode.

 

[Independence Overland]

Right, I keep forgetting about that. My brain doesn't compute

One thing I am very curious about with this system, is how does it handle high amperage loads like winching? A winch can demand 400-500 amps from a battery. I am sure the system technically could supply that kind of power to its 12v battery to replenish it, or rather just take the load and not deplete the battery at all, but does it allow for that is the question.

I am more than certain that an ARB winch compatible front bumper will be sold by Toyota in the coming months, so surely they took this into consideration. I am just very curious about its limitations.

If the system can easily output higher amperages for short amounts of time, it could be very beneficial for things like winching or using a BCDC system to charge a house battery (50-100amps).

 

[Nuke]

Heat Pump? To my knowledge, typically only on EV's, not hybrids.

 

[StreeTaco]

Right, I keep forgetting about that. My brain doesn't compute

One thing I am very curious about with this system, is how does it handle high amperage loads like winching? A winch can demand 400-500 amps from a battery. I am sure the system technically could supply that kind of power to its 12v battery to replenish it, or rather just take the load and not deplete the battery at all, but does it allow for that is the question.

I am more than certain that an ARB winch compatible front bumper will be sold by Toyota in the coming months, so surely they took this into consideration. I am just very curious about its limitations.

If the system can easily output higher amperages for short amounts of time, it could be very beneficial for things like winching or using a BCDC system to charge a house battery (50-100amps).

For winch wiring purposes,
I’m sure there’s already a product out there for Tundra (I did not research),, but the 12v starting battery is underneath the back seat in the hybrid models.. you think there will be a high amp 12v connection under the hood? Or we’ll just need to run heavy gauge harness from the battery, plumbed thru the truck?

 

[mramseyisu]

Little late to the party here but the hybrid ditching the alternator doesn't really surprise me, my guess is it's running a Bosch DC/DC converter in it's place. As far as the electric AC compressor they're out there but they're pretty power hungry, the ones I'm familiar with consume between 3-5kW depending on the ambient air temp. Maybe I should pop the hood on my wife's Rav4 and look at what they're doing with that hybrid for an AC compressor.

Full disclose my day job is vehicle energy management engineering lead for a BEV program so I've been digging into this stuff a lot over the last year or so.

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