Toyota has unveiled Japan's first PHEV minivans Alphard and Vellfire

Toyota has added a charging port to its fourth-generation Alphard and third-generation Vellfire minivans. They are Japan's first PHEV models in this class.

Here's What We Know

The plug-in hybrid versions are only available in six-seat configurations. Under the bonnet of the Alphard PHEV and Vellfire PHEV is a 2.5-litre petrol engine assisted by two electric motors. One electric motor is at the front and the other at the rear. This is how the E-Four all-wheel drive system is realised. The total power of the hybrid system is 302 hp.

Toyota Alphard PHEV:

The lithium-ion battery of unnamed capacity is located under the floor, which helps to lower the centre of gravity by 35 mm compared to the conventional hybrid model. Toyota estimates an electric range of 73 kilometres. However, it should be noted that the figure is based on an overly optimistic WLTC protocol. Most likely, this figure would have been lower when tested using the WLTP cycle.

Toyota Vellfire PHEV:

The Alphard PHEV and Vellfire PHEV both support two-way charging, allowing them to be used as a backup power source. A full tank of fuel and a charged battery will provide up to 5.5 days of battery life, assuming 10 kW⋅h per day.

Prices bite: at current exchange rates, the Toyota Alphard PHEV costs from $68,000 and the Vellfire PHEV from $69,000. That's double the price of the base front-wheel-drive hybrid versions.

Source: Toyota