After launching its initial pickup, the BYD Shark PHEV, Toyota is evaluating a fully electric Hilux BEV prototype. Toyota is gearing up to introduce its inaugural electric pickup truck in Thailand by year-end.
Toyota’s electrified foray: Pickup truck to hit Thai roads?
As a global leader in pickup sales, the Toyota Hilux would be an ideal candidate for an electric makeover. The company has successfully expanded its reach to more than 180 countries worldwide, boasting an extensive global market presence that spans diverse regions and demographics.
Toyota’s been quietly hyping its inaugural all-electric vehicle for quite some time now. Although the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V, the company’s first electrified offering, debuted last December, it still boasts a 2.8L diesel engine, yielding a relatively modest 5% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Where has Toyota taken its all-electric Hilux prototype after unveiling a hydrogen gas cell version last year?
At a press conference during the Bangkok International Motor Show in March, Toyota Thailand President Noriaki Kamishita reaffirmed that the Hilux Electric Vehicle will enter production by the end of 2025.
Toyota’s Vice Chairman for Government Relations in Asia, Pras Ganesh, has officially confirmed that the company plans to manufacture its Hilux battery-electric vehicle (BEV) locally.
Although the primary electric Toyota pickup is initially targeted at the Thai market, Toyota is reportedly considering exporting the model, according to Ganesh.
Toyota will need to overcome issues before its launch.”The more weight I have to add to it, the more battery I have to put in, which means the car’s load becomes significantly heavier, making the payload much less,” Ganesh explained?
“Is the shopping experience consistently designed to meet and exceed customers’ expectations?” We continually strive to understand their actions.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are gaining traction.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Chinese automaker BYD unveiled its inaugural pickup truck model this week, marking a significant milestone in its competitive journey. Byd unveiled the Shark, a pioneering plug-in hybrid pickup boasting an impressive 100km (62mi) of NEDC-certified all-electric range. Mixed, the Shark PHEV can travel up to 840 kilometres (522 miles), according to its New European Driving Cycle certification.
Byd unveiled its Shark electric pickup in Mexico, with global expansion planned for the innovative vehicle. The GL mannequin is available for $53,400 (approximately 899,980 pesos), with the GS variation priced at $58,100 (around 969,800 pesos).
Compared to a traditional gasoline-powered engine truck, the BYD Shark’s fuel efficiency represents a notable 60% reduction in gas consumption, with a remarkable 7.5 litres consumed per 100 kilometres.
Measuring 5,457 millimeters in length, 1,971 millimeters wide, and 1,925 millimeters tall, the BYD Shark is a direct rival to Toyota’s top-selling Hilux pickup, which stands at 5,325 millimeters long, 1,855 millimeters wide, and 1,815 millimeters tall.
Electrek’s Take
During our extensive travels across Thailand over the past few weeks, as newlyweds on our dreamy honeymoon getaway, it’s undeniable that Toyota Hilux models seem to be omnipresent throughout the landscape. Japanese automakers such as Toyota and Honda remain the most popular choices for drivers on the road.
Chinese language automakers like BYD, MG, and GWM are aggressively expanding their global presence. Numerous Seize rides I’ve taken have featured eco-friendly electric vehicles, primarily manufactured by MG and BYD. Throughout my journeys, I had observed a preference for vehicles such as the MG4, BYD Atto 3, Ora Good Cat, and its funky variant, along with the BYD Dolphin. Noticing a cluster of Tesla models alongside a few Volvo electric vehicles.
Despite my initial focus on the larger atolls, I was struck by the abundance of these creatures on the smaller, more isolated isles. Across various locations – airports, highways, markets, and more – indicators had been prominently showcasing sales of BYD, MG, XPeng, and other Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
In Thailand, BYD’s electric vehicles dominated the market last year, with the Atto 3 emerging as the top-selling electric model. More than 19,200 have already been distributed, and a palpable transformation is beginning to emerge.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s gross sales plummeted by more than 25% in Thailand during the year to date, with a staggering 133,406 units sold, following a dismal 32% decline in March alone.
After a successful groundbreaking ceremony in March, BYD is poised to wrap up construction on its inaugural automobile plant in Thailand. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to produce approximately 150,000 vehicles annually as BYD continues to expand its manufacturing presence in the region.
To avoid falling further behind BYD, MG, and GWM, Toyota must act swiftly to keep pace with Thailand’s rapidly changing automotive market.
