Toyota’s potential delay in introducing its fully electric Hilux pickup truck is sparking concerns among industry insiders and environmentally conscious consumers alike.

For those interested in purchasing an all-electric Toyota Hilux pickup, be prepared to wait a little while longer. According to Emmanuel Beaune, Toyota Europe’s head of mild hybrid business vehicle sales, the possibility of a 100% electric Hilux pickup is still being explored.

Toyota is finally set to launch its electric Hilux pickup.

Although the Toyota Hilux is undoubtedly one of the world’s top-selling pickup trucks, the release of an all-electric version may come sooner than expected.

With a manufacturing presence in six countries, Toyota’s Hilux is sold across more than 180 territories worldwide, cementing its status as a global phenomenon.

Toyota has launched its groundbreaking Hilux Hybrid 48V, a pioneering “electrified” variant of the iconic pickup, onto the market earlier this month. Despite this, the compact hybrid system is linked to a 2.8-litre diesel engine. While the improvements are modest, they still yield a notable 5% increase in fuel efficiency.

The Toyota Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype, unveiled in September, was another significant development in this space. As Tesla unveiled its innovative Cybertruck, the automotive world eagerly awaits whether Toyota will follow suit with a genuine electric pickup truck of its own.

Toyota remains committed to a hybrid approach, comprising gasoline-powered HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs, as part of its multi-faceted strategy that includes diverse powertrain options.

According to Beaune, it is premature to make any definitive statements about the electric Hilux, as various investigations are still underway.

Toyota unveiled its Hilux Revo BEV concept in Thailand last December, but it’s been over a year since then. The electric vehicle (EV) pickup truck was spotted undergoing testing in Australia last October, with no official updates or details yet released by Toyota regarding its specifications or timeline.

Although Toyota was initially hesitant, Beaune noted that corporate accounts account for a significant 30% share of the European pickup market. For instance, he specified that certain employees would be captivated by the concept of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), noting that this is precisely why Toyota Motor Company (TMC) is collaborating with them in Japan to develop a suitable solution.

Electrek’s Take

Without further significant advancements with “some investigations”, Toyota risks being left behind in the pursuit of innovation.

Several prominent Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, including BYD and Geely’s subsidiary, Radar, have successfully brought their products to market. Isuzu, a prominent Japanese competitor, has officially announced plans to introduce an all-electric pickup truck in Thailand. With BYD successfully eroding Toyota’s stronghold on the Thai market.

Since entering the market in July 2022, BYD has rapidly risen to account for more than one-third of electric vehicle (EV) gross sales and nearly 4% of overall automotive sales. With its impressive performance, BYD has surpassed several prominent Japanese automakers, including Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Suzuki, to claim the top spot in total vehicle sales.

With its hybrid approach, Toyota is unwittingly paving the way for its own downfall. With its vertically integrated ecosystem and streamlined processes, BYD is capable of developing a brand-new electric vehicle from scratch and bringing it to market within an impressive 18-month timeframe. The manufacturer is gearing up for the imminent release of its inaugural electric vehicle pickup truck.

If Toyota is to remain competitive, it must take prompt action. A built-in electrical pickup should be a foregone conclusion in an automaker’s strategy, rather than warranting separate inquiry.