Japanese legacy automaker Toyota has reportedly completed the local evaluation of its all-electric Hilux concept model in Australia after undergoing a series of fleet inspections, Drive reports.
This milestone delighted many Australian customers, as the Toyota Hilux is apparently the country’s top-selling model, with more than 64,000 sales in 2022 alone.
Evaluation details
The report indicated that Australian engineers assessed the Toyota Hilux BEV prototype.
It is apparently part of the company’s effort to complete the concept’s final evaluations before a potential launch in local Australian showrooms by 2030.
Toyota’s Hilux Revo BEV concept completed a month-long assessment with potential fleet buyers in Australia.
“Our evaluation engineers and industry partners have confirmed that this city-focused HiLux BEV [Battery Electric Vehicle] – while very much a concept vehicle – looks, feels and drives like a production model.”
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, said in a media statement.
Toyota Hilux EV concept returns to Thailand
According to the report, Toyota has now brought the Hilux BEV concept back to Thailand. The company plans to use it in the e-Hilux taxis’ demonstration fleet.
Toyota claims the Hilux Revo BEV concept features the company’s legacy technologies.
“Under the skin, this vehicle is powered by Toyota’s (electric vehicle) related technologies developed over more than a quarter of a century, including batteries, motors, inverters and power-control units.”
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, said in a media statement
Concerns
Australia currently has concerns over electric ute’s limited performance compared to diesel-powered models.
In hindsight, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated at the federal election campaign in 2019 that e-ute would “end the weekend.”
The Prime Minister warned then that electric-powered utes would have lower towing and loading capacity than those with combustion engines.
This belief proves to be true as China-made electric utes in the local market offer lower hauling capacity and driving range, according to Drive.
However, Toyota claims that its Hilux BEV concept can efficiently match the capability of a diesel-powered ute.
“I’ve also had the opportunity to drive it – and it’s clear the concept vehicle’s all-electric powertrain delivers the impressive torque you’d normally expect from a diesel engine. It is further evidence of the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-path strategy for achieving carbon-free mobility, applying different powertrain solutions to suit different user needs and operating environments worldwide.”
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations (via AutoTalk)
See Also:
- Toyota reveals hydrogen-powered Hilux prototype with estimated 365 mile-range
- Toyota, Suzuki to co-develop bZ small e-SUV for 2025
- Toyota plans to accelerate electric car production to 600,000+ units in 2025, report claims
- Tesla clears inventory and dominates the Australian market against Toyota as EV enthusiasm grows
- Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell pickup truck receives funding in the UK
Toyota fans have long been waiting for the electric version of the popular Hilux. These recent advancements hint at the possibility that Toyota could hit its 2030 timeline of launching the highly-awaited EV in local showrooms.
The Hilux Revo BEV Concept program is apparently the most recent product of the automaker’s Thai-Australian collaboration, which also aided the new HiLux GR Sport’s successful development.
