Toyota will offer an electric version of its popular Hilux pickup

The next generation of the Toyota Hilux is on its way, and its market launch will bring as a major novelty the availability, on this occasion, of a fully electric version of this iconic pickup. Initially, this new model with a fully electric powertrain will be geared toward the peculiarities of the Thai market, which is precisely where it will be produced, but its availability in other markets can be expected over time.

Recently, during a presentation to journalists from the Southeast Asian region, Toyota showed a slide with future models from the brand, and among them was the silhouette of a pickup accompanied by the BEV logo, which, as we all know, is the English acronym for Battery Electric Vehicle – Electric Vehicle with Battery.

Although the Japanese manufacturer never referred to that pickup as an electric variant of the Hilux, this possibility seems the most likely. Toyota already has a prototype of this popular pickup with an electric powertrain, presented at the end of 2022 under the name Hilux Revo EV, which has been thoroughly tested by the company’s engineers in the mines of Thailand and Australia, with very positive results.

On the other hand, in May 2024 the Asian market division of Toyota already confirmed to the media that the ninth generation of its most popular pickup would be available in a fully electric variant starting at the end of 2025. So, if this announcement is accurate, its presentation for the Asian market, or more specifically the Thai market, should take place shortly.

The Thai market was not chosen at random for the launch of the electric Hilux

For anyone wondering why the new electric Hilux from Toyota will debut in Thailand, suffice it to say that this market is the most suitable for a launch like this, and this choice would be more than justified. In Thailand, pickup sales account for close to fifty percent of the total, and Toyota leads this market with a 46.4 percent share, ahead of Isuzu with its D-Max model, which is already available in a fully electric variant.

Finally, it should be noted that, as we all know, Toyota has always been very cautious about offering fully electric powertrain variants of its vehicles. The commercialization of an electric Hilux now is explained solely by the pressure being exerted by competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers. Toyota knows that without a rapid response it could end up losing the dominance it currently holds in the Thai market, and naturally it is not willing to allow that.

The powertrain technology of the electric Hilux is expected to be similar to that of the Revo BEV prototype. This new model will offer an approximate range of 200 km, and in its development Toyota will prioritize reducing the vehicle’s weight so as not to compromise its payload capacity.