Toyota has been testing an electric Hilux pickup in Australia, so we might see an eco-friendly version of the rugged truck sooner than anticipated.
The one-off prototype was first seen when Toyota outlined its carbon neutrality strategy at an event in December 2021. Since then, the vehicle has been passed on to Toyota Australia for further evaluation. Australia is one of the most demanding territories for trucks, with high demand for pickups (or utes), so Toyota also enlisted the help of several important Hilux customers to rigorously test the electric vehicle and provide real-world feedback.
Ahead of the prototype's arrival in Australia, there was collaboration and development with the vehicle's creators, Toyota Thailand. Toyota’s Thai subsidiary created the Hilux BEV as a mobile testbed in its global mission to launch an entirely electrified commercial vehicle range.
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia's vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, believes that the development of the electrified Hilux prototype demonstrates that Toyota is more advanced in its electric vehicle development than most people anticipated:
“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 model gains the Revo tag across Thai markets — sees the continuation of Toyota's long-standing collaboration between its Thai and Australian teams, a partnership that was critical in shaping the recently introduced Hilux GR Sport.
More than 200,000 Hilux trucks were delivered to customers between the two countries last year, vastly outstripping the 7,254 sold in the UK in the same period. The popularity of the vehicles in Thailand reinforces the country’s reputation as the ‘ute capital of the world’.
Such a reputation makes it an ideal location for Toyota to launch a demonstration fleet of Hilux-based electric taxis that will be built for the domestic market.
You can lease the diesel-powered Toyota Hilux with Select Van Leasing from £314 per month, ex VAT*.
Meanwhile there's currently just one electric pickup to lease right now here in the UK - the Maxus T90EV (below).
The T90EV gets a range of up to 220 miles between charges, as well as a 1,000 kg max payload, and you can lease this Maxus pickup with Select Van Leasing from £328 per month, ex VAT*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 27/10/23.
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