An electric Toyota Hilux pickup might arrive sooner than we think, with testing of a prototype single-cab model continuing in Australia.
First seen in December 2021 at a Toyota event outlining the company’s carbon neutrality strategy, the one-off prototype has been handed to Toyota Australia for evaluation and performance confirmation. As one of the most demanding territories, Toyota Australia has also included several large-volume Hilux customers and other clients to put the vehicle through its paces and provide feedback.
The decision to introduce the concept to Australia involved close collaboration with Toyota Thailand, responsible for creating the Hilux BEV as a mobile testbed in Toyota’s global mission to electrify its commercial vehicle range.
Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and 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,” said Hanley. “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.
“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,” Hanley added. “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.”
The Hilux Revo BEV Concept — the Thai model gains the Revo tag — continues Toyota’s long-standing collaboration between its Thai and Australian teams, which was pivotal in shaping the recently introduced Hilux GR Sport.
Between the two countries, more than 200,000 Hilux trucks were delivered to customers last year, in marked contrast to the 7,254 sold in the UK in the same period. The popularity of the Hilux in Thailand reinforces the country’s reputation as the ‘ute capital of the world’.
It’s also where a demonstration fleet of Hilux-based electric share taxis will be built for the domestic market.
