New Hybrid Car Tech Is Coming: Toyota’s Next Wave of Innovation

Fast Facts – New Toyota Hybrid Tech

🌱 THS 5: Debuted with 2023 Prius, now in Camry, Corolla, RAV4
🔋 Next-Gen PHEV: Sixth-gen system coming for 2027 plug-in models
⚙️ eAxles: BlueNexus partnership, compact and efficient
🚗 Two-Motor Drive: 5% overall fuel economy improvement
🛑 Brake-by-Wire: 7% shorter stopping distance
📅 2030 Vision: Aerodynamics + predictive driving features

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Predictive Driving and the 2030 Vision

Hybrid cars have been on the roads since 1997 when Toyota debuted its Prius hybrid. “Prius” is a Latin word which means “first” or “to go before” and this liftback started the hybrid revolution where a gasoline engine was paired with an electric motor and battery pack to create stunning fuel economy.

While many drivers today are interested in purchasing a new or used hybrid car, crossover, SUV, or pickup truck, few realize how much hybrids have evolved in the last 28 years to become even more efficient and offer an average of 50 miles or more per gallon.

Most automakers have adopted hybrid technology, but we thought we’d stick with the company that pioneered this system for this article and introduce you to the Fifth Genertion Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5) which debuted with the 2023 new Prius model and is featured in 2025 and 2026 models including the Camry, Corolla Hybrid, and RAV4.

We drove a 2025 Camry Hybrid that utilizes this system, and found it to be smooth, quiet, and most of the time when it transitions from using the electric motor to the gas engine, you don’t even notice.

A Sixth Generation PHEV

We are excited to announce that a sixth Genertion Hybrid System is coming for Toyota’s plug-in hybrid models. While EV growth has slowed in the last year, the sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrids continue to grow. If you are holding off on purchasing an all-electric vehicle at the moment, you may find an HEV or PHEV the perfect way to enjoy better fuel economy.

Toyota has been working with companies named AISIN and Denso to create BlueNexus eAxles. They are working together to push the envelope of technology and build more fuel and energy efficient systems.

The First Generation eAxle appeared in 2022 followed by a Second Generation high efficiency unit in 2025. The BlueNexus collaboration has produced a new generation of eAxle for everything from the Prius and Crown Hybrid to the all-electric bZ4X that are ultra-compact in size and extremely efficient.

Currently, eAxles are just for the rear axles and motors in Toyota hybrids and EVs. The third generation eAxle will be available in Toyota hybrids by 2027. Its smaller size helps to lower the stance for new hybrids and offer more room for rear passengers. This also allows for a nine-in-one power domain controller to reduce cost and improve efficiency.

Two-Motor Drive Units

The new hybrid system will incorporate an all-new two-motor drive unit for more user-friendly HEVs and PHEVs. Toyota is working to improve its two-motor hybrid system which is a combination of a series system where the gas engine runs as a generator to charge the battery pack so it can run the electric motors, and a split system that allows the engine to power the front wheels while working with the drive motors at the rear.

The new system will reduce fuel consumption by three percent and electricity consumption by two percent for an overall effect of five percent better economy for better mileage per gallon. The new system separates the drive motor from the generator motor to prevent rotation, similar to a series system. The end result is better efficiency.

Electric Braking

Toyota is also working on moving away from hydraulic braking with an electric braking system known as braking-by-wire that reduces the amount of hydraulic line from the front to the rear of the vehicle, you don’t need hydraulic fluid, and braking is controlled by the ECU. This would reduce cost and improve braking performance. We’re talking a seven percent reduction in braking distance with a braking-by-wire system.

Coming by 2030

All this and more is coming soon including making cars more aerodynamic with active grille shutters, flush handles, movable spoilers, and retractable side footboard steps. Future hybrids may also be able to predict when it would be necessary to slow the vehicle and swerve when approaching a sharp turn, curve or corner. That would be part of a Proactive Driving System that Toyota is currently working on.