Toyota Hilux EV is a widely anticipated product, particularly in countries where pickup trucks are more common. In recent times, we have seen many new electric pickup trucks in various international markets. These come from legacy carmakers, as well as new startups. A lot depends on which market we are talking about. Countries like the US and China are way ahead in this electric mobility revolution. However, many developing countries are just getting warmed up to the idea. That is true for some carmakers as well, like Toyota.
Toyota Hilux EV Breaks Cover
Interestingly, the Toyota Hilux EV will be on sale in Thailand in 2025. Thailand is a huge market for pickup trucks. That is the reason why Toyota is attempting to bring the electric version of its popular Hilux pickup there to test the waters. We know that Toyota has never been extremely bullish on EVs. Instead, it has maintained its strong stance on hybrids. But as the pressure from the likes of the upcoming BYD Shark and Isuzu D-Max BEV intensified, Toyota announced the electric Hilux as well. While the specifications are not clear yet, it will have a large battery to ensure off-roading capabilities, high towing capacity and decent payload capacity too.
Specs
While there have been no formal announcements, Toyota mentioned on one occasion that the electric Hilux will boast a range of 200 km. Now, that is low on any parameter. Moreover, we don’t know which test cycle is this range figure applicable on. Also, it is possible that the 200 km of range could be when the truck is loaded. Otherwise, it won’t have any practical range. But the main conundrum stems from the fact that you need a big battery to offer more range. However, a big battery also leads to increased weight which reduces range. As a result, a perfect balance has to be sought.
Our View
While the electric version of the Toyota Hilux will first go into production in Thailand by 2025, we are interested to know if it will spawn the electric Fortuner as well. India is one of the most prominent markets for the Fortuner. Unfortunately, the Hilux has not done too well on the sales charts. Still, it would be interesting to see if we get the electric variants of these two in our market. Perhaps, by then, people would be more open to the idea and the charging infrastructure would be more developed.
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