Toyota Hilux Revo BEV Concept Spied in Australia – Production Imminent?

The Toyota Hilux Revo BEV concept was initially previewed at the Toyota Motor Thailand’s (TMT) 60th anniversary last year, showcasing the multi-pathway strategy Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) took in achieving its carbon neutrality goal. Following its first public debut in Thailand, it seems that things have been rather quiet for the all-electric Hilux, until a few days ago where it has been spotted in Australia.

Toyota Hilux Revo BEV concept spotted in Western Australia. Photo credit: AEVA via Twitter/X

Photos posted to Twitter/X by the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) showcase the concept EV – based on the Thai-spec Toyota Hilux single-cab 4X2 variant – parked somewhere in the streets of Fremantle, Western Australia. At one glance, this EV concept looked like some other single-cab Hilux-es available out there, but on further inspection you'll eventually notice the presence of its battery charging port located at the front fender.

Could the Hilux EV used by the mining companies as their new fleet truck?
(Photo credit: AEVA via Twitter/X)

According to Drive.co.au, the Hilux Revo BEV might be in Australia as part of Toyota’s plan to showcase this carbon-neutral pick-up truck to the industry players here in the Down Under. Single-cab trucks, or known as utes here, are quite the famous choice amongst mining companies here in Western Australia, so this all-electric Hilux poses quite an interesting opportunity for these companies to jump on board the electromobility train.

And fully-electric trucks or commercial-style vehicles aren’t exactly new here in Australia, as several companies like SEA Electric and Roev have been developing EV conversion kits for trucks like the Hilux and Land Cruiser.

Toyota Hilux Revo BEV concept diplayed in Thailand last year

But more importantly, the presence of the Hilux Revo BEV concept here is no surprise, as Australia has been the ‘battleground’ for the development of the current-gen Hilux model. So the Hilux Revo’s public appearance here could also indicate that Toyota is running a real road test development for this model, before hitting the production line some time later.

Toyota's revamped EV adoption plan sees the marque launching an EV truck by 2026

Furthermore an all-electric pick-up truck is part of Toyota’s new BEV adoption plan laid out earlier this year, where the marque plans to introduce one to the ASEAN and other surrounding regional markets by 2026. In a presentation to investors earlier this year, this new EV truck was referred to as the IMV BEV, accompanied by a photo of the Hilux Revo BEV concept. IMV is actually the name of the ladder-frame platform underpinned by several Toyota 4X4 models like the current-gen Hilux and Fortuner SUV.

Aside from the new Hilux EV, Toyota Australia has also confirmed that the next-gen Hilux – which will be based on the US-only Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck – will feature a mild-hybrid (MHEV) diesel variant. As for now, it remains unclear what implications this electric Hilux will have on the new Hilux MHEV. But nonetheless, both are still a welcomed addition in a bid to propel electromobility adoption, particularly in this 4X4 segment.