- First-ever plug-in Hilux 'on its way' says Toyota NZ.
- Available in SR and SR5, cab-chassis and wellside.
- Wellside range 240km (WLTP), towrating 2 tonnes.
Toyota New Zealand has announced that the pure-electric version of its popular Hilux ute will be available to pre-order towards the end of the month - although it still hasn't shared a price or exact launch timing.
Hilux BEV is an interesting one compared to the plug-in ute competition. Its 59.2kWh battery is good for just 240km (WLTP) and towing is limited to 2 tonnes. Toyota NZ recommends it'll work best "where charging is easily accessible and daily travel distances are less than 200km".
In fact, Toyota NZ chief strategic officer Andrew Davis gets much more specific than that: “From patrolling airport runways, moving equipment around a vineyard or orchard, to regional highway inspections, the Hilux BEV would fit seamlessly into many working environments.
"But don’t underestimate its capability – it certainly holds its own on rugged terrain too,” he says. "The zero-emissions EV ute would work well for infrastructure and construction companies, farmers, horticulturists, trades, eco-tourism operators and local government contractors operating within defined areas and where charging would take place back at the base or farmyard."
Toyota NZ will be offering the Hilux BEV in two different configurations and two different specifications: wellside and cab-chassis, SR and SR5 (wellside only), but all with a double cab body.
The battery is matched to dual electric motors with a combined output of 144kW. Torque distribution is variably controlled between the front and rear axles during on-road driving.
For off-roading, Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes, adjusting the amount of wheel slip. It maintains the same wading depth of 700mm as the standard Hilux.
Maximum DC charge rate is 150kW, which Toyota claims can replenish the battery from 10-80% in 30 minutes. AC charging at 10kW can take the battery from 10-100% in approximately 5.5 hours.
To accommodate the battery-electric powertrain, the Hilux BEV features its own suspension system with frame reinforcements, strengthened MacPherson strut front suspension and a De-dion rear leaf spring setup which accommodates the rear electric motor, while retaining a live axle setup for off-roading.
Hilux SR and SR5 grades feature a "similar level of specification" to the equivalent diesel models, says Toyota.
Toyota Safety Sense active safety features include Pre-Collision System with motorcycle detection, Intersection Collision Avoidance, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beam and Lane Tracing Assist.
The SR wellside and SR5 add safety features such as a higher definition Panoramic View Monitor, four front and rear sensors and Parking Support Brake.
The Hilux BEV only comes in two exterior colours: Glacier White and Ash. Both wellside variants feature the A-deck layout with four tie-down hooks, tailgate assist and 275kg-rated side deck step.
"The Hilux BEV gives organisations more options to match the right powertrain to the right role," says Davis. "Diesel remains essential for heavy-duty tasks such as carrying a high payload and towing, while the Hilux BEV suits roles with different demands.
"The Hilux BEV fills an important gap, offering ute size, space and comfort with zero emissions where it makes sense."
Toyota NZ says pricing will be announced later this month. In Australia, Hilux BEV ranges from A$74,990 to A$82,990.