Toyota’s 100% electric Hilux model is set to hit the market in 2025. This new model will be manufactured in Thailand, where pickup truck sales dominate the market. Initially, the electric Hilux will be available in the Thai market, but it will also be exported to other countries.
While Toyota may not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of electric vehicles, it is steadily investing in this sector. The Japanese automotive giant aims to increase its presence in the electric vehicle market with the fully electric Toyota Hilux. Toyota introduced a prototype at the end of 2022 and plans to start mass production of this model next year. The production of the electric Hilux will take place in Thailand, a key location where more than half of vehicle sales are pickup trucks. The electric version of the Isuzu D-Max will also be produced in this region.
According to Toyota, the electric Hilux will primarily target the Thai market, but there are plans for its sale in other countries as well. While technical details have yet to be finalized, Toyota previously stated that the electric pickup would offer a range of around 200 kilometers, which is relatively low by today’s standards.
Pras Ganesh, Vice President of Toyota Motor Asia, mentioned that the electric Hilux is being tested in various road and temperature conditions to ensure it meets diverse usage scenarios. Ganesh pointed out that increasing the range requires larger batteries, which significantly increase the vehicle’s weight and reduce its load-carrying capacity. “Will this meet customer needs? This is our biggest challenge. We are striving to find the right balance between the two,” he said.
The development and production of the electric Hilux highlight Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. With this new model, the company aims to continue investing in environmentally friendly technologies while enhancing its competitive edge in the global market.