Toyota’s Electric Pickup Truck Progress
In December, Toyota showcased the Hilux Revo BEV Concept in Thailand, an electric pickup based on the popular Hilux model. Recently, this prototype has traveled to Australia for further testing and feedback from key Hilux fleet customers. According to Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s VP of Sales, the BEV prototype not only resembles the traditional Hilux but also performs impressively like a production-ready model.
U.S. Market Implications and Future Prospects
Toyota’s focus on markets like Australia and Thailand is understandable given the Hilux’s popularity, with impressive sales figures of 64,000 units in Australia and 145,000 in Thailand in 2022. However, its plans for the U.S. remain ambiguous. While electric truck adoption is gradual and faces challenges, such as high costs and limited production, Toyota is preparing to introduce its electric offerings, potentially including a U.S.-bound truck among its 10 new BEVs by 2026. This strategic move aims to address range anxiety and streamline manufacturing, ensuring a well-rounded and affordable electric truck when it finally arrives.