Talk about electric Hilux

Toyota may be looking to mass-produce a fully electric Toyota Hilux, according to media reports.

Noriaki Yamashita, president of Toyota Thailand, told reporters in Bangkok the model could be released as early as 2025, reports Reuters.

As for what to expect, the Hilux EV is likely to follow in the footsteps of the Revo BEV Concept first seen in 2022, which later underwent testing in Australia.

However, the concept’s technical specifications are still under wraps. The company says it would be more interested in a double-cab, four-wheel-drive (4WD) that can match the towing, off-road and load-carrying capabilities of the current diesel Hilux with 800km of driving range on a single charge.

It acknowledges such a vehicle could be some time off – and could use next-generation battery technology, or hydrogen fuel-cell power, given the difficulties in “electrifying” utes and heavy-duty 4WDs with current electric-car technology.

Toyota is set to launch a mild-hybrid Hilux later this year with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder and six-speed automatic gearbox joined by a 48-volt electric-motor generator and lithium-ion battery.