- Toyota trucks could eventually be offered with plug-in hybrid or electric powertrains.
- The company is studying both options, but hasn’t made a decision yet.
- A compact pickup remains a possibility in the future.
The Toyota Tacoma and Tundra offer high-performance hybrid powertrains, but their electrification journey might not be complete. Quite the opposite, as the models could eventually be offered with plug-in hybrid or electric power.
Speaking at the New York Auto Forum earlier this week, Toyota Motor North America Executive Vice President Jack Hollis said the company is considering eco-friendly powertrains for the pickups. These would ultimately have to balance consumer interest with increasing fuel economy and emission standards.
Lackluster demand for electric pickups could be why Toyota now seems open to trucks with plug-in hybrid powertrains. This shift has hit the F-150 Lightning hard and the segment will soon be crowded with electric entries.
That being said, Hollis seemed open minded as he told CNBC they’re evaluating both options. He added, “There are reasons why a BEV can work and there’s a reason why PHEV can work.” The powertrains might not just be limited to trucks either as the executive suggested they could eventually be offered in the 4Runner and Sequoia.
More: Toyota Still Appears To Be Considering A Ford Maverick Competitor
In the meantime, the Tacoma will be offered with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup gives the truck a combined output of 326 hp (243 kW / 331 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.
The hybridized Tundra is similar as it uses a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, and an electric motor that is effectively sandwiched between the engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission. This gives the model an output of 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque.
In other news, Hollis said “I do think there’s room to grow our entire truck footprint. Whether it be Tundra, Tacoma or something else in addition to the lineup.” He specifically mentioned the possibility of a compact pickup, but suggested the final decision is up to consumers. So, if you want a Maverick competitor from Toyota, you might want to let them know.
