Without a doubt, the Toyota corporation is ever-evolving and ever-competitive. The company has committed to a holistic approach to achieving carbon-neutral transportation by utilizing a range of customized powertrain solutions to meet users’ specific needs and the diverse operating conditions worldwide. An example is the hydrogen fuel cell electric Hilux prototype, recently unveiled in the UK.
In other recent news, Toyota has entered into an agreement with the Japanese firm Idemitsu Kosan to commence large-scale production of electric vehicles (EVs) with solid-state batteries renowned for their exceptional range. Toyota claims that this novel technology will ultimately empower (excuse the pun) EVs to achieve an impressive range of 932 miles on a solitary charge while enabling rapid charging in just 10 minutes, thanks to its heightened energy density. While the press release does not explicitly state that this new battery technology will be incorporated into the EV Hilux, it is highly likely.
Meanwhile, Toyota Australia has achieved a significant milestone in pursuing zero tailpipe emissions. Australian engineers and select industry partners had the opportunity to assess the company’s inaugural fully electric battery-powered Hilux prototype. This exclusive cutting-edge technology demonstration was entrusted to the expert vehicle evaluation team within the local company. A diverse group of substantial Hilux customers and other valued clients were invited to rigorously test the vehicle and offer feedback.
The Hilux has historically enjoyed remarkable success in Australia, securing its position as the best-selling vehicle for seven consecutive years, with over 64,000 sales recorded last year. Thailand, where the Hilux enjoys even more tremendous popularity, witnessed demand exceeding 145,000 vehicles in 2022. This nation has earned the distinction of being the “ute capital” of the automotive world, serving as a production hub for Hilux and competing workhorse vehicles manufactured for various automakers and markets worldwide.
The decision to bring this concept to Australia resulted from a close collaboration between Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Thailand associates. The Hilux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) was conceived as a mobile testing ground, aligning with Toyota’s global initiative to electrify its commercial vehicles. And as we all know, 4WD commercial vehicles make an excellent base for an overland vehicle.
The rigorous confirmation program in Australia has been successfully concluded, and the vehicle has been returned to Thailand. The Toyota distributor will assemble a demonstration fleet of Hilux-based electric share taxis tailored for the domestic market.
Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, expressed his confidence in Toyota’s advancements in battery-electric vehicle development. Hanley affirmed,
“Our evaluation engineers and industry partners have confirmed that this city-focused Hilux BEV, although primarily a concept vehicle, exudes the look, feel, and performance of a production model. I’ve had the opportunity to drive it, and it’s clear the concept vehicle’s all-electric powertrain delivers the impressive torque you’d normally expect from a diesel engine.”
Hanley further emphasized Toyota’s multi-path strategy for achieving carbon-free mobility, emphasizing the company’s dedication to applying diverse powertrain solutions to cater to the unique needs and operating environments of users worldwide.
He also expressed Toyota Australia’s optimism regarding the potential of a city-centric Hilux BEV inspired by this concept vehicle and the company’s eagerness to introduce such a vehicle to the Australian market; maybe we will see a similar vehicle in the US soon. Hanley highlighted the vehicle’s technological prowess, powered by Toyota’s EV-related innovations honed over a quarter-century, encompassing batteries, motors, inverters, and power-control units. This technological expertise underscores Toyota’s unwavering commitment to surmounting the challenges of electrifying its commercial vehicle fleet while offering multiple solutions to meet end-user expectations.
The Hilux Revo BEV Concept program is the latest testament to the collaborative efforts between Toyota Thailand and Australia, which also played a pivotal role in creating the recently launched Hilux GR Sport.
Read more: 1978 C304 6×6 TGB13 Volvo :: Featured Vehicle
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
