There’s been a lot of talk about a mini-Hilux pickup, and now Toyota has taken the wraps off a concept vehicle that looks remarkably like a production-ready mini-Hilux pickup — the Toyota EPU.
Constructed with a unibody design rather than a traditional body-on-frame setup, the electric-powered EPU (which we presume stands for Electric Pick Up) is smaller than the Hilux and aimed at a more lifestyle-oriented customer rather than those needing a rugged workhorse.
While Toyota hasn’t discussed the powerplant, the twin electric motors from its bZ4X SUV
would provide 218hp and 337Nm of torque, which would be a perfect output for urban and lifestyle users. The 71.4kWh battery pack would also be easy to install into the EPU’s structure.
Although the exterior of the Toyota EPU has a production-ready vibe, happily avoiding the allure of flash swage lines, oversized wheels and crazy mirrors that are often festooned on concept designs, its interior feels like a step into the future. It houses a single ultra-wide display screen housing the instrument panel and infotainment systems, an ultra-modern minimalist dashboard, and a futuristic yoke-style steering wheel that looks like a development of what we’ve seen in the bZ4X.
With no need to fit a large diesel engine and complex running gear under the bonnet, Toyota has been able to extend the wheelbase of the EPU to 3,350mm, which is 265mm longer than the current Hilux and should allow for a more spacious cabin despite being 255mm shorter overall. At just 1.71 metres tall, it’s close in size to the US-market Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, which indicates the market Toyota might be aiming for.
The cargo area appears to be small by current pickup standards, but has a modular tailgate that can split horizontally, creating an extended load bed with a vertical guard to keep cargo in place.
For those needing something bigger, Toyota is currently testing an electric Hilux and has recently revealed its first hydrogen-powered pickup.
More details of the Toyota EPE electric pickup will undoubtedly be revealed at this month’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, where Toyota will display the concept alongside other future-looking concept vehicles.
