Best Hybrid Utes in NZ

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.

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.

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. 

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.