More details on the electric Toyota Hilux

Earlier this year, Toyota revealed a fully electric Hilux pick-up truck which Akio Toyoda said was under development. No information was available then although Toyota has since given more details about the hybrid electric system for another Hilux prototype.

Recently, Toyota Australia conducted a running demonstration with its engineers and selected industry partners to evaluate a prototype. Hilux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle

Feedback from customers
The one-off technology showcase was entrusted to the local company’s renowned vehicle evaluation team for confirmation drives. Several large-volume Hilux customers and other valued clients were also asked to put the vehicle through its paces and provide their feedback.

The move to send the prototype to Australia involved close collaboration with Toyota Thailand which built the Hilux BEV as a ‘mobile proving ground’ amidst global plans to electrify Toyota’s commercial vehicles.

Share taxis in Thailand
The brief Australian confirmation program has been completed and the vehicle returned to Thailand where the Toyota distributor will assemble a demonstration fleet of electric share taxis for the market.

Advanced development of BEVs
Commenting on the exercise, Toyota Australia’s Vice-President Sales, Marketing & Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the Hilux prototype confirmed that Toyota was far more advanced in developing battery-electric vehicles than most people appreciated.

“Our evaluation engineers and industry partners have confirmed that this city-focused Hilux BEV – while very much a concept vehicle – looks, feels and drives like a production model,” he said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to drive it – and it’s clear the concept vehicle’s all-electric powertrain delivers the impressive torque you’d normally expect from a diesel engine.”

“It is further evidence of the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-path strategy for achieving carbon-free mobility, applying different powertrain solutions to suit different user needs and operating environments worldwide,” he added.

“Under the skin, this vehicle is powered by Toyota’s EV-related technologies developed over more than a quarter of a century, including batteries, motors, inverters and power-control units. It’s a strong indicator of Toyota’s determination to overcome the challenges of electrifying our commercial vehicles, ensuring there are multiple options that can meet the expectations of end users,” said Mr. Hanley.

The Hilux Revo BEV Concept program is the latest chapter in Toyota’s Thai-Australian relationship that was also instrumental in the development of the Hilux GR Sport.

Click here to know more about Hilux models in Malaysia

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