Toyota has officially announced its intentions to unveil an electric version of the Hilux pickup truck in Thailand by the end of the upcoming year. This announcement follows closely after Isuzu’s debut of the D-Max EV (D-MAX BEV) at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2024, where they disclosed plans to produce the electric pickup truck in Thailand by 2025.
Toyota Hilux EV
Noriaki Yamashita, president of Toyota Motor Thailand, indicated that the Hilux EV could be prepared for launch by the end of the upcoming year. However, he did not clarify whether production would take place in the country or if the vehicles would be imported. Additionally, Yamashita mentioned that Toyota, being the market leader in Thailand, plans to introduce approximately a dozen Hilux EV pickup trucks for trial use as public transportation in the tourist beach town of Pattaya next month.
First showcased as the Hilux Revo BEV concept in December 2022, the Hilux EV made its initial public appearance. At that time, it was projected to be one year away from production readiness. However, Toyota has not yet disclosed technical details such as battery capacity, range, and power for the upcoming Hilux EV.
Despite the lack of official confirmation, it’s anticipated that the Toyota Hilux EV will feature a standard 4WD system along with a dual-battery setup, with one on each axle. Drawing comparisons, the Isuzu D-Max EV boasts a 66.9kWh battery pack, delivering a combined power and torque output of 177hp and 325Nm, respectively. Additionally, the Isuzu electric pickup truck showcases a maximum payload capacity of 1,000kg and a towing capacity of 3,500kg.
The expectation is that the EV may enter the international market, including Europe, with a comparable architecture to the ICE model, retaining its bold stance and offering ample cargo space at the back. However, minor alterations are anticipated in the final production model.
According to reports, the vehicle will undergo extensive testing in Pattaya before its market debut. The town is set to receive dozens of electric Hilux vehicles, which will be utilized as public vehicles. This approach will enable the manufacturer to assess the vehicle’s capabilities, identify areas for improvement, and address any potential shortcomings.
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