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Toyota’s first 100% electrical truck could also be nearer than anticipated. The Toyota HiLux BEV prototype was put “by means of its paces” as a part of growth in Australia. Try a number of the pictures from the occasion.
Toyota revealed the HiLux BEV prototype at its sixtieth anniversary in Thailand final December, its first battery electrical pickup truck.
Thailand is Toyota’s fourth-highest manufacturing middle globally, following Japan, China, and the US. It’s additionally a sizzling spot for EV gross sales.
Thailand accounted for almost 80% of all-electric automobiles offered in Southeast Asia within the first three months of the yr. Because the “ute capital” of the auto world, Thailand is called a prime pickup market.
In August, Toyota’s gas-powered Hilux was the top-selling mannequin in Thailand, topping the Isuzu D-Max (additionally going electrical) and Ford Ranger. Toyota Thailand constructed the HiLux BEV and despatched it to Australia, the place the Hilux has been the best-selling car for the previous seven years.
Nonetheless in early growth, Toyota’s electrical truck was examined by its native engineers to guage its progress. A number of “large-volume” HiLux prospects and different Toyota shoppers had been additionally requested to supply suggestions.
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Toyota’s first electrical HiLux BEV truck undergoes testing
Though the HiLux BEV remains to be an idea, it “appears, feels, and drives like a manufacturing mannequin,” in line with Toyota Australia’s VP of gross sales, advertising, & franchise operations, Sean Hanley.
“I’ve additionally had the chance to drive it – and it’s clear the idea car’s all-electric powertrain delivers the spectacular torque you’d usually anticipate from a diesel engine,” Hanley mentioned.
He added that Toyota Australia wished to convey a car just like the HiLux BEV to market. The electrical truck is powered by know-how developed by Toyota for “over greater than 1 / 4 century.”
Though no specs had been revealed on the occasion, the photographs present its design is closely influenced by the gas-powered mannequin.
It additionally seems to have a single cab and prolonged mattress, typical of what you’d discover in industrial vehicles in these markets.
After the take a look at was full, it was shipped again to Thailand, the place Toyota’s distributor will assemble an illustration fleet of Hilux-based electrical share taxis.
Electrek’s Take
I wouldn’t get my hopes up too quickly, particularly for these within the US. Toyota’s Hilux shouldn’t be offered within the US, and this electrical truck is clearly constructed for a special market. It additionally seems to be a one-off prototype.
Though Toyota has teased an electrical pickup that seems to be designed for the US since 2021, we’ve heard little point out of it since.
Toyota should transfer rapidly in Thailand, the place electrical automobiles are gaining floor. One other Japanese automaker, Isuzu, revealed plans not too long ago to construct an electrical model of its D-Max pickup in Thailand.
In the meantime, Chinese language EV makers like Geely’s Radard have already begun delivery electrical vehicles to Thailand.
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