Feature article
Best Hybrid Utes in NZ
Hybrid is a term used to describe the combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine to power a vehicle.
Last updated: 9 September 2024
Hybrid is a term used to describe the combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE) to power a vehicle. The desired outcome is a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared with a vehicle powered purely by a combustion engine. This combination of ICE and electric power sources can typically result in an overall boost to output, particularly when it comes to torque. Generally speaking, hybrids are usually more refined in operation too. So more pulling power with lower consumption is a win win, though the hybrid usually comes with a price premium over the conventionally-powered model, as the electric bits add to the cost.
Different types of hybrids
Muddying the waters, there are varying degrees of hybrids from what they call ‘mild hybrids’ to ‘parallel self-charging’ types to full plug-ins. And yet they can all be lumped under the hybrid banner. So it pays to know the differences.
Mild hybrids use low voltage electric devices (usually 48V) to give the engine a small boost under acceleration and extend the idle stop function. These are cheaper for the manufacturer to implement but usually only result in a 5-10 per cent fuel saving compared with non-electrified variants. Parallel self-charging types have more powerful motors and higher voltage batteries which can be capable of powering the vehicle at low speeds. But their main purpose is to assist the combustion engine. These produce good low end torque with lower overall emissions.
And then there is the plug-in hybrid which has a more powerful motor again and a larger battery which can be used to power the vehicle at speeds up to and beyond 100km/h. These plug-ins have higher power and torque figures than conventional models, and much lower overall fuel consumption on account of their ability to EV around. However this fuel use figure can quickly climb higher once the battery power is done, and so you must recharge them (plug them in) often to gain the best fuel economy.
These hybrid powertrains can be found in most parts of the car market, but they are rarer in the world of utes. However, there are a few out there, and more coming.
Utes of the mild hybrid type
A couple of utes that offer a mild hybrid set up with a 48V system running a motor generator device that adds its torque to the engine which helps low-speed driveability. The Toyota Hilux is one, though only the double cab 4x4 auto models get the 48V system at present. This offers an extended and more refined idle/stop system, the engine shutting down when it would otherwise be idling away needlessly. The 48V electric device facilitates more instantaneous restarts while it has the effect of smoothing out the torque delivery of the Hilux. The hybrid motor helps trim a few points off the fuel consumption figure. For instance, the SR 4WD Extra Cab Chassis non-hybrid Hilux variant is rated at 9.2L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 243g/km while the SR 4WD Hybrid double cab chassis has figures of 8.7L/100km and 229g/km.
The other ute with a mild hybrid set up is the full size Ram 1500 pick up. This offers the same benefits as the Hilux’s system but overall fuel use is still high, quoted at 13.6L/100km (though 16L/100km is a more likely real world figure).
GWM Cannon Alpha - the first full hybrid ute in NZ
At present, there is but one full hybrid ute available on the market, and that’s the GWM Cannon Alpha. It uses a combination of a high voltage electric system and a turbopetrol to make 255kW and 648Nm. The engine is a 2.0-litre turbopetrol with 180kW and 380Nm, the motor helping with 78kW and 268Nm, drawing power from a small lithium battery.
Hybrids generally help cut fuel consumption, yet this Cannon Alpha you’d not rate as a particularly fuel-efficient machine. GWM states average consumption at 9.8L/100km. It has the ability to do some running on the electric motor alone, and while it’s quite quick for a ute, it’s also thirsty, with real world consumption at the 13L/100km mark
The Alpha hybrid comes with 3.5 tonnes of tow and the payload rating is 735kg. There is quite a premium to pay for the hybrid; the equivalent diesel-powered Cannon Alpha being $59,990 while the hybrid is $68,990.
What are the best plug-in hybrid utes?
There aren’t any just yet. But the arrival of the BYD Shark is just around the corner. Shark uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 170kW and 310Nm which is paired with two electric motors, one for each axle. When their powers combine, BYD claims an output of more than 316kW.
Other claims for the plug-in hybrid powertrain include a consumption figure of 7.5L/100km in hybrid mode. Overall consumption is said to be 1.5L/100km during lab testing with a full battery. Expect that 7.5 figure to be a more accurate, real world number.
There’s up to 100km of electric range available thanks to its 30kWh Blade battery pack. This can be recharged with DC (40kW) and there is vehicle-to-load functionality.
All-wheel drive is achieved thanks to the electric motor on the rear while the petrol engine is only connected to the front axle. Ground clearance is stated at 282mm while it has a towing capacity of 2500kg, which is a thousand kilos less than the rest.
There will also be a plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger on sale here at the end of the year.
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