Toyota is stepping into the electric vehicle market, with plans to introduce an electric version of their popular Hilux by 2025. This puts Toyota in competition with other brands like Isuzu, who are also set to release an electric version of their D-Max around the same time.
The announcement was made by Noriaki Yamashita, head of Toyota’s operations in Thailand, signaling a significant shift towards electric vehicles for the company.
Prior to mass production of the electric Hilux, Toyota plans to conduct real-world testing. Twelve electric Hilux vehicles will be tested as public transport in Pattaya, Thailand, to assess their performance and address any issues before full-scale production.
A Glimpse into the Future
While details about the production model of the electric Hilux remain undisclosed, Toyota did offer a glimpse with the Hilux Revo BEV Urban Taxi Concept, showcasing an electric single-cab design.
Toyota’s innovation extends beyond electric vehicles, exploring hydrogen fuel-cell technology for the Hilux and introducing a mild-hybrid version of the current turbo-diesel engine in Australia.
Initial skepticism about the performance of an electric utility vehicle like the Hilux has been dispelled by Toyota, as they report that their prototype offers sufficient torque for the job.
Toyota’s transition to electric vehicles is not limited to the Hilux, with plans to electrify most of their models by 2030, aligning with the industry trend towards eco-friendly options.
By introducing an electric version of the Hilux, Toyota is entering a competitive market but demonstrates their commitment to embracing the future of automotive technology.
