Every so often on this enterprise, I come throughout an idea automobile that an automaker could be loopy to not construct. After seeing it for myself on the Japan Mobility Present at the moment, I am satisfied the Toyota EPU Idea suits that invoice. If Toyota does not construct this compact electrical pickup truck, then it should not take pleasure in creating wealth.
Now, Toyota will not say whether or not or not the EPU Idea is headed for manufacturing or not. “These two autos, please contemplate why they’re on the identical stage,” mentioned chief engineer Tsukasa Takahashi, additionally referring to the Land Cruiser Se electrical idea located close by. However a type of autos seems to be loads nearer to production-ready than the opposite, and I’ve to surprise what that claims about future plans.
I haven’t got to wonder if the EPU Idea could be a hit or not. Sized practically identically to a Ford Maverick however powered by batteries, it could match the wants of lots of patrons who do not essentially want an enormous and costly truck however sometimes prefer to tow and haul some issues.
“It isn’t meant to compete towards Tacoma,” mentioned Kevin Hunter, president of Toyota Motor Company’s North American design studio, Calty Design Analysis, which produced the EPU Idea. “That is only a completely different buyer. They’re doing excessive outside actions, off-roading. So that is designed for extra informal customers.”
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He mentioned the EPU Idea was designed for individuals who love outside hobbies, however might reside in a metropolis or have a small home the place a giant truck is not the most suitable choice. And the EV platform brings some distinct benefits right here, together with as a lot cabin area as a Tacoma. Certainly, maximizing inside quantity was a significant theme of most Toyota and Lexus EV debuts on the Japan Mobility Present this yr. On the identical time, and in contrast to most vehicles in America, the EPU Idea has a comparatively quick and sloping nostril that ought to make it straightforward to maneuver and park.
“It has sufficient functionality,” Hunter mentioned. “We did not need it to be a toy.”
A lot of that functionality comes from the mattress, which has a trick pass-through system just like the previous Chevy Avalanche and Subaru XT. Takahashi confirmed me the way it works: you fold the rear seats after which a gate opens as much as enable entry to the mattress, good for hauling 4x4s or lengthy objects. An underrated characteristic in vehicles, I’ve all the time thought.
Hunter added that the EPU Idea usually has a four-and-a-half-foot mattress, however that turns right into a six-foot mattress with the midgate down – and it even turns into an eight-foot mattress with the tailgate folded down.
Furthermore, the EPU Idea makes use of a monocoque chassis, not a body-on-frame one like most pickup vehicles. That once more places it in step with the Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz and even bigger Honda Ridgeline, all of that are succesful machines in their very own proper. “You do not have the bed-to-cab separation right here,” Hunter mentioned. “And you are able to do a midgate. So it is simply extra adaptable in that regard.”
So will Toyota really construct the EPU Idea as a part of its newfound EV push? That appears to rely, firm reps instructed me, on the response to this one. Different ideas from Toyota and Lexus had been locked in for manufacturing; this one, not a lot. However there’s clearly room out there for a smaller, hopefully extra inexpensive EV truck – a child Rivian, if you’ll. It is exhausting to see this not being a hit for Toyota.
“There lots of people on the market who wish to embrace a extra sustainable future and this suits with their values,” Hunter mentioned. “And you do not have to sacrifice something. It is bought nice functionality. It is an energetic truck. I imply, all our vehicles and SUVs are designed for an energetic life-style.” This, he added, could be no completely different.