The new Toyota EPU concept that was revealed at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 might appear to be one step away from production, but it has yet to receive the official green light from the Japanese company. Nevertheless, there’s a good chance it will find its way into showrooms as a potential rival to the Ford Maverick, all while avoiding to step on the toes of the immensely popular Tacoma, currently the best-selling midsize truck in America.
As per an executive from Toyota North America, the compact pickup project has been in development for over three years. Speaking to Autonews, the unnamed executive disclosed that he and his colleagues are actively advocating for its realization. Furthermore, he mentioned that Toyota recognizes the strong demand for it in North America, emphasizing that they just “have to make it work”.
Pickup trucks are not as sought after in Japan as they are in North America, which is why the Toyota team in the USA is taking the lead in advocating for the introduction of such a vehicle. While the official name for the future production model has yet to be determined, the Toyota executive has refuted rumors of a revival of the Stout moniker. The Stout name was previously utilized from the mid-1950s until the late 1980s for a light truck.
Needs To Be More Affordable
The hurdles that must be overcome to transform the compact EV truck into a reality primarily revolve around addressing production costs, ensuring affordability, and defining its positioning in relation to the larger, ladder frame-based Toyota Tacoma. As per the report, Toyota still needs to find ways to lower the production costs of the compact electric truck to make it competitive with the Ford Maverick while also avoiding encroaching upon the price range of the midsize Tacoma.
The Toyota North American executive said that while swapping the EV powertrain for a traditional internal combustion four-cylinder engine would make the compact pickup cheaper, it would also cause “emission issues” and would likely not be approved by Toyota’s headquarters in Japan.
“We’re fighting for it,” the executive told the publication. “They know how much we want it. We just have to make it work.”
Designed In California
The EPU concept was developed at the Toyota Calty Design Research Center in Southern California. It was initially conceived as an in-house design study but attracted the attention of Toyota executives who wanted to show it at the Japan Mobility Show and check out the public’s reaction.
More: Toyota Chairman Says “People Are Finally Seeing Reality” Of EVs
The concept measures 199.6 inches (5,070 mm) long, a figure that is nearly identical to the Ford Maverick. Still, its EV-dedicated monocoque underpinnings allow it to have a 131.8-inch (3,350 mm) wheelbase which is a full 10.7 inches (272 mm) longer than the ICE-powered Ford rival, getting into the territory of midsize trucks.
The same applies to the cargo-carrying capabilities of the concept thanks to clever design solutions. The standard bed length is only 4.5 feet (1,372 mm) long, but can expand to 6 feet (1,829 mm) with an open tailgate, and to 8 feet (2,438 mm) by opening the cabin partition and folding the rear seats. A similar trick has been adopted by the larger but also fully electric Fisker Alaska pickup which is coming in 2025.
Toyota has yet to release specific details about the concept’s powertrain but has confirmed its all-wheel-drive capabilities and substantial battery pack. The hope is that the automaker will successfully address the cost challenges and eventually introduce the compact truck to the US market within the next few years.
