In Thailand, where the Toyota HiLux pickup is made, rather than the pickup-obsessed United States or its native Japan, Toyota plans to test a fleet of all-electric pickups.
The electric HiLux was developed in Thailand, but it draws on decades of Toyota EV technology.
This electric HiLiux conversion, which goes by the name of the HiLux Revo BEV Concept but is far from a concept car, has its engine at the rear wheels and is equipped with a DeDion rear axle and leaf springs for a better ride and handling than a live axle alone. Between the frame rails is where the battery pack is hidden.
The battery pack or propulsion system’s specifications and output figures haven’t been made public. The truck’s claimed range is only 124 to 143 miles (200-230 km), which may be sufficient for its intended fleet use in cities and suburbs.
Top Toyota Australia executive Sean Hanley described it as a “city-focused HiLux BEV” in a press release, noting that despite being a concept car, it “looks, feels, and drives like a production model.”
A few select Australian media outlets have had the opportunity to test-drive the electric vehicle over the past few days. They found it to be both peppy and quiet in a way that previous models of this family of small trucks most certainly aren’t. It’s not a rocket in Ludicrous mode, but it is a quiet, interesting, tailpipe emission-free method to install upgrades or accessories and get things done.
But this truck most likely isn’t headed for the United States. The HiLux and American Tacoma were once related, but the two vehicles no longer share any significant proportions and ride on different platforms. The new 2024 Tacoma range will include a hybrid model, with the hybrid receiving the i-Force Max badge and being designed to be the workhorse of the lineup with strong towing and carrying capabilities. The new 2024 Tacoma lineup will be constructed soon in Mexico.
Although the HiLux BEV’s interior has a very plain appearance, it is equipped with an electric parking brake, an EV-specific instrument cluster, and a rotary shift selector similar to that seen in the BZ4X.
The HiLux BEV was brought to Australia as part of a dealer convention, according to an Australian website that gave a fair summary of this entry-level electric truck. Toyota claims that the HiLux is the most popular car in Australia.
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. stated openly in 2021: “Toyota intends to bring electrification to its lineup of pickup trucks in the near future, including hybrid and BEV powertrains.”
Toyota claimed that its dealerships in the US just weren’t asking for EVs up until 2019 or later. U.S.-bound is thought to have taken precedence over other priorities more lately.
That being said, it might be lacking something if an electric pickup is not introduced to the United States soon, whether it takes the form of the more competent Tacoma EV or this entry-level HiLux EV. The Tacoma EV, a truck that doesn’t exist, was named the best in a cohort that also included the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and several other vehicles, according to a November 2022 Autolist research.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the Toyota HiLux electric pickup, and where was it developed?
A1: The Toyota HiLux electric pickup, known as the HiLux Revo BEV Concept, was developed in Thailand, leveraging Toyota’s extensive EV technology.
Q2: What’s unique about the electric HiLux’s design and specifications?
A2: This electric HiLux has its engine at the rear wheels, equipped with a DeDion rear axle and leaf springs for enhanced ride and handling. The battery pack is situated between the frame rails.
Q3: What’s the estimated range of the electric HiLux, and where is it intended for use?
A3: The range of the electric HiLux is around 124 to 143 miles (200-230 km), suitable for city and suburban fleet use.
Q4: Can I purchase the electric HiLux in the United States?
A4: Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to be available in the United States due to differences in vehicle platforms. The US-bound Tacoma is expected to offer hybrid options instead.
Q5: What features does the HiLux BEV’s interior offer?
A5: The interior features an electric parking brake, an EV-specific instrument cluster, and a rotary shift selector, similar to the BZ4X.
Q6: Why has Toyota delayed introducing EVs in the United States?
A6: Toyota’s focus on EVs in the US intensified recently. Initially, dealerships showed less interest in EVs, but the shift in priorities has become more apparent in recent years.
Q7: Is Toyota planning to bring an electric pickup to the US?
A7: Toyota has expressed its intention to electrify its pickup lineup, including hybrid and BEV powertrains. The timing and specific models may vary.
Q8: How does the HiLux electric pickup compare to other EV trucks on the market?
A8: While the HiLux isn’t expected in the US, Toyota’s Tacoma EV is a strong contender. In a recent study, it outperformed competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and Ford F-150 Lightning.
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