Toyota has yet to present a zero-emission version of the Land Cruiser, but independent companies have already done EV conversions based on older generations of the popular SUV. A great example is the pictured Land Cruiser 60 Series from the ’80s which was meticulously restored and converted to electric power by two Japanese companies.
Hiratsuka-based Tonox specializes in bodywork, while Flex – known for its Renoca series of reverse restomod bodykits – has plenty of experience when it comes to Land Cruiser sales. Their first joint electromod project will be presented at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo next week. However, the companies have already published a great deal of photos highlighting every step of the restoration process.
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Photos: Tonox, Renoca
The donor vehicle was in a pretty bad shape, with rust eating away its bodywork and chassis. Skilled technicians stripped away every single component, fixing all the bad spots and replacing what was beyond saving. The ladder frame chassis and leaf spring suspension were re-painted, as with the bodywork. The end result stays true to the classic looks of the J60, as the exterior modifications were limited to a new pair of LED headlights, shiny chrome bits on the grille and bumpers, plus a set of Renoca’s retro-flavored alloy wheels shod in fresh all-terrain tires.
What is even more important than the impressive restoration work is the fact that the old combustion engine was removed from the vehicle, with a new electric motor taking its place under the bonnet, together with the vehicle control unit. The battery pack was mounted in a special casing under the cargo area, while additional batteries could be mounted in other places inside the vehicle, further expanding the driving range potential of the EV.
As exhibited in one of the official videos, the EV retains the selectable 4WD system, with the electric motor sending power to either the rear or to all four wheels. Tonox and Flex didn’t announce the technical specifications of the zero-emisson Toyota Land Cruiser 60 Series, but we hope we will learn more about it at the Japan Mobility Show, including the power output, range, and performance figures.
The goal of the project was to show that the life of an older vehicle can be significantly expanded by restoring it and adding a quiet, zero-emission powertrain. In this way, it can be passed on to the next generations, while retaining the classic looks of the original. It is safe to assume that Tonox and Flex will continue the partnership, undertaking similar electromod projects in the future.