As Toyota is moving to the testing stage of its fully-electric Toyota pickup truck, Japanese automotive giant Toyota also reaches this milestone by testing the fully-electric Hilux leaf pickup truck. This includes the company-wide testing process that began recently and which will involve putting the vehicle through various conditions and terrains to determine whether it can withstand such conditions before it hits the market next year. Electric Hilux will be assembled in Thailand by the end of 2025.
Speaking about the testing phase, Pras Ganesh, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Asia, expressed the company's commitment to local production, stating, "We intend to be producing the Hilux BEV over here." While Toyota has yet to disclose detailed technical specifications for the Hilux EV, including battery capacity, range, and power, industry experts anticipate the vehicle to feature a standard 4WD system and a dual-battery setup, with one located on each axle.
The Toyota Hilux EV is poised to enter a competitive market segment, where it will directly rival the recently unveiled Isuzu D-Max EV. Equipped with a 66.9kWh battery pack and boasting a combined power and torque output of 177hp and 325Nm, respectively, the Isuzu D-Max EV sets a benchmark for electric pickup trucks. Toyota's Hilux EV is expected to offer similar capabilities, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly and high-performance vehicles.
Originally unveiled as the Hilux Revo BEV concept in December 2022, the electric variant of the iconic Hilux pickup truck garnered significant attention and anticipation from enthusiasts worldwide. While initially targeted at the Thai market, Toyota has indicated its willingness to explore export opportunities for the Hilux EV, underscoring the company's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle portfolio across global markets.
Despite its global appeal, the Toyota Hilux EV is unlikely to hit Indian shores anytime soon. In India, where Toyota currently offers the diesel-powered Hilux, priced in the range of Rs 30.40-Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the market landscape and regulatory framework for electric vehicles present unique challenges. However, as the Indian automotive market evolves and embraces electric mobility, Toyota remains poised to introduce its electrified offerings in the country in the future.
In conclusion, Toyota's foray into the electric pickup truck segment with the Hilux EV signifies a strategic shift towards sustainable mobility and underscores the company's commitment to innovation and technological advancement. With testing underway and production slated to commence soon, the Hilux EV holds promise as a formidable contender in the growing market for electric vehicles, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable automotive future.
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