Toyota Hilux EV Testing Started - Australia & Thailand Joint Development Project

The Toyota Hilux Revo BEV Concept, an all-electric version of the enduring Toyota Hilux pickup truck, was unveiled in December 2022 as Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) commemorates its historic 60th anniversary. Additionally, we received updates that the project execution would be taking place in Australia, in August of last year.

However, Toyota Australia has now formally announced that its local engineers and select business partners had tested its first completely electric, battery-powered Hilux prototype. A renowned car evaluation team was entrusted with this special technology demonstration, and its confirmation drives. A number of significant Hilux customers as well as other esteemed customers were also invited to thoroughly test the car and offer their insightful input.

In keeping with the company's global goals to electrify its commercial vehicle range, Toyota Motor Corporation closely partnered with its partners in Toyota Thailand to develop the Hilux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) as a mobile testing platform. The prototype was sent back to Thailand after successfully completing the compressed confirmation programme in Australia. A fleet of electric sharing taxis built on the Hilux will be assembled there by the local Toyota distributor for the domestic market.

Toyota Australia's Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, emphasised that the HiLux prototype showcased Toyota's advanced progress in the development of battery-electric vehicles. He noted that the concept vehicle, designed for urban use, closely resembled a production model in terms of its look, feel, and driving experience. He also highlighted the impressive torque delivered by the all-electric powertrain, which is comparable to a diesel engine.

Hanley underlined Toyota's multi-path strategy for achieving carbon-free mobility, with various powertrain solutions tailored to meet diverse user needs and operating conditions worldwide. He expressed optimism about the prospects of introducing a city-focused HiLux BEV like the concept vehicle in Australia.

Beneath the vehicle's exterior, it is powered by Toyota's EV technologies, which was honed over more than a quarter of a century, including batteries, motors, inverters, and power-control units. This showcases Toyota's commitment to surmounting the challenges of electrifying its commercial vehicles and offering a range of options to meet the expectations of end users.

The Hilux Revo BEV Concept program builds upon the strong partnership between Toyota in Thailand and Australia, the two biggest right-hand drive pickup truck market, which also played a pivotal role in the development of the recently launched Hilux GR Sport.

The Toyota Hilux has been Australia's best-selling vehicle for the past seven years, with over 64,000 sales in the previous year. It is also particularly popular in Thailand, where demand exceeded 145,000 vehicles in 2022. Thailand is recognized as a global production hub for utility vehicles.