Toyota announces the all-new Hilux, including a first battery electric version of the iconic pick-up Toyota has announced the addition of a BEV version, known as the Hero, of the Toyota Hilux in it's introduction of the 9th generation of the Hilux. For comparison, the Tacoma is on its 4th generation. This new generation will feature diesel (2.8L will replace the 2.4L), gas (petrol in European parlance in a 2.7L), "Hilux Hybrid 48V" ( AKA Invincible, also a 2.8L diesel engine - that quote is their words not mine), BEV electric and coming in 2028, a hydrogen fuel cell. All versions will feature double cab body style, electric power steering and AWD. The current Tacoma for comparison sake is sold as 2WD and part time 4WD except for the Limited trim which is full time 4WD. The BEV Hilux Hero has a 59.2 kWh battery, with front and rear eAxles. The front eAxle generates 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque while the rear eAxle generates 268.6 Nm (198.1 lb-ft) for a total of 473.6 Nm (349.3 lb-ft). Approximate range per WLTP is 240 km (149.1 miles). Toyota Japan had more details: World Premiere of the New Hilux in Asia | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website Their estimated EV range was 300 km (NEDC - even more optimistic than WLTP). Total power output is 144 kW (193.1 hp) which is kind of light for today's truck. The Tacoma's i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo and older 3.5L V6 NA puts out 207.3 kW (278 hp) while the Tacoma Hybrid puts out 243.1 kW (326 hp). The 2.8L diesel in the Hilux allows the pickup to haul payloads of 1 tonne (2,205 lbs) and tow 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs). This is more due to European allowances than actual engineered limits. The 2.8L diesel generates 150 kW (201.1 hp) and a massive 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque which beats the Tacoma i-FORCE's 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) but not the i-FORCE MAX torque output of 630.5 Nm (465 lb-ft). Size wise the 9th generation Hilux is 5,320 mm (209.4 inches) long, 1,855 mm (73 inches) wide, and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) high while riding on a wheelbase of 3,085 mm (121.5 inches). The 4th gen Tacoma is only slightly larger. IMHO the bigger question - if they have a BEV Hilux, will the BEV Tacoma be far behind? I'd say way far behind, especially with a 59.2 kWh battery. The WLTP 240 km range would equate to an EPA of 109 miles. Toyota has stated in the past they were "evaluating" BEV and PHEV power trains for the Tacoma. Toyota weighing electric, plug-in Tacoma and Tundra pickups They could use the 59.2 kWh battery in a PHEV power train and that would be awesome, but, Toyota hasn't made a power hybrid melded with a PHEV. Odds are a Toyota BEV truck would be either smaller and lighter than the current Tacoma or come up with an i-FORCE MAX PHEV power train.
Yes. I want this. But it's not coming to the US. BEV Tacoma? Don't think so. That is why I reserved SLATE. But without fed credit, it is pricey for what it offers.
Yeah it would be pricey. Toyota is not hesitant about selling $70,000+ Tacomas so a PHEV version of their lowly SR trim would be at least in the $60,000 range.
What's up with Toyota. Following the crowd? First - other manufacturers actually release 'E' pickup trucks, putting them into production, & only now, Toyota finally talks about making one? Now - Ford is talking about killing off their electric F150 due to low demand. Ford reportedly considers ending production of F-150 Lightning EV Is Toyota going to follow that path next? What are they thinking - .
