Taking a bold step forward, elevating the iconic Hilux nameplate, Toyota has created a new niche model, emission free that will take customers breaths away with its smooth, sophisticated and refined driveline.
At the UTAC Mortefontaine test track near Paris, Toyota introduced the all new Hilux BEV electric, to evolutionise the most durable 1-tonne pick-up truck in the marketplace.
As the emission free version of the Hilux enters the European marketplace next spring, Toyota Professional will have electrified all of its light commercial range. In fact the Hilux model ranked up 30% of Toyota Professional sales in 2024.
With more than 27 million unit sales over its eight generation lifespan, for the ninth incarnation, a new multi-path strategy for the Hilux range is well underway.
The inaugural mild hybrid, the Hilux 48V was developed on the outgoing variant, to be further modified with this facelifted version. A Hydrogen prototype was revealed last year too, with a view to launch the complete fuel cell powered unit in 2028. In the meantime, a revised diesel will be in the marketplace.
Along with the front and rear redesign, the Hilux interior gets a makeover too. What is paramount, is that the models pedigree relating to quality, durability and reliability remains.
According to Hideaki Hayashi, Project Manager & Deputy Chief Engineer, the new Hilux BEV is perfect for fleets, catering for the forestry, mining , airports and civil engineering sectors. He mentioned that its development took in engineering and design teams from Japan, Australia, and Thailand (where it’s made) with the project mission to ensure that the models reputation remained intact.
To integrate the electrification system on board the new Hilux chassis, with slightly lower dimensions than the current diesel variant, the ladder type frame structure was reinforced with new design suspension featuring leaf springs.
The water cooled 59.2 kWh compact lithium-ion battery packs, consisting of 80 cells, fit neatly within the frame for protection and provides a low centre of gravity for better handling, as proven and experienced on the on-road and off-road test drives.
A fast charge system can be availed of to bring the electric Hilux back up to speed from 10 to 80% in around thirty minutes.
More details on the next edition of Fleet Transport…..
Spec Check
Make/Model: Toyota Hilux BEV
Body: Double-Cab pick-up
Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power: 196 hp
Torque: Front; 205.5 Nm – Rear; 268.6 Nm
Battery Pack: 59.2 kWh Lithium-ion
Brakes: Discs
Suspension: Front; Double wishbone, Rear; DeDion leaf springs
Steering: Rack & Pinion
Range Distance: 240 km WLTP
Towing capacity: 1,600 kg
Payload: 715 kg
Wheelbase: 3,085 mm
Ground Clearance: 207 mm
Dimensions:
Overall Length: 5.320 mm – Load: 1,555 mm
Overall Width: 1,855 mm – Load: 1,540 mm
Overall Height: 1,865 mm – Load: 480 mm