Toyota has suggested that it is investigating a potential battery-electric version of the Hilux but remains steadfast in its belief that offering multiple different types of powertrains is the best way forward.
The Hilux is one of the world’s best-selling pickup trucks but the carmaker has so far failed to introduce a serious electrified version, despite a growing number of hybrid and all-electric trucks hitting the market. It recently unveiled a Hilux Hybrid with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and last year, showcased a hydrogen-fueled Hilux prototype. It also teased the world with the unveiling of the electric Hilux BEV Concept in Thailand.
Top Gear recently had the opportunity to speak with the boss of Toyota Motor Europe’s light commercial vehicles division, Emmanuel Beaune, and asked him about the likelihood of an electric Hilux hitting the market.
“It’s really part of our multi-pathway approach, to have different powertrains and solutions,” he said. “So, it’s too early to comment on an electric Hilux today. There are some investigations, but I cannot say more.”
Beaune added that Toyota Motor Europe is working with the car manufacturer in Japan on a solution for those who are interested in a BEV.
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“Today we have 30 percent of the pickup segment in Europe, so a large portion, but we can see that for some workers they will be interested in a BEV,” he said. “There are some, let’s say, requests there. That’s the reason why we’re studying with TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation) in Japan in order to propose the right solution.”
While Toyota may be actively investigating a battery-electric version of the Hilux, we would be shocked if such a model was introduced within the next two or even three years. It seems more likely that Toyota will first follow up the new mild-hybrid Hilux with a traditional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid version before releasing a BEV.
