Summary
– Toyota plans to launch its first electric pickup truck, an electric version of the Hilux, by the end of 2025
– Production will take place in Thailand, with potential export to additional markets
– Toyota also presented concepts for electric versions of the Tacoma and a lifestyle-oriented electric truck
– Sales of hybrids from Toyota and Lexus brands grew by 31% to 3.7 million units leading to a total of 10.31 million units sold
– Toyota plans to add more EVs in the future while continuing to offer vehicles with combustion engines, particularly hybrids
Article
Toyota is moving forward with plans to launch its first electric pickup truck, despite a potential slowdown in demand for electric vehicles. The electric version of the Hilux global midsize pickup truck is set to enter production by the end of 2025 at a plant in Thailand, where Toyota already produces gas, diesel, and mild-hybrid versions of the Hilux. While the electric Hilux will primarily target the Thai market, where pickups make up over 50% of vehicle sales, it is also being considered for export to other markets. Toyota first unveiled the concept of the electric Hilux, known as the Hilux Revo BEV, in 2022 and has been using it for testing.
In addition to the electric Hilux, Toyota has hinted at the possibility of an electric version of the Tacoma, its midsize truck for the American market. A concept of the electric Tacoma was introduced in 2021, suggesting that Toyota may expand its electric truck offerings to include a variety of models. Furthermore, Toyota showcased the EPU concept, a compact electric truck, at the 2023 Tokyo auto show, indicating a potential future lineup of electric trucks tailored to different markets and preferences. Toyota’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle options is part of its broader strategy to introduce more electric vehicles while maintaining a lineup of vehicles with combustion engines, particularly hybrids.
Despite the growth of electric vehicle sales, Toyota has seen a surge in sales of hybrid vehicles, with sales of hybrids for the Toyota and Lexus brands increasing by 31% to 3.7 million units in the year ending March 31. This contributed to a combined delivery of 10.31 million units for the two brands, marking the first time that total sales surpassed 10 million units. Toyota’s success in the hybrid market has enabled the company to continue offering a range of vehicles with different powertrain options to cater to varying consumer preferences. The emphasis on hybrids, in addition to expanding its electric vehicle lineup, demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to providing a diverse range of vehicles to meet the evolving needs of customers globally.
The decision to launch an electric pickup truck aligns with Toyota’s goal of diversifying its lineup of electric vehicles and continuing to offer vehicles with combustion engines and hybrids. By introducing an electric version of the popular Hilux pickup truck, Toyota aims to tap into the growing demand for electric vehicles in Thailand and potentially other markets where pickups are popular. The expansion of Toyota’s electric vehicle offerings, including the possibility of electric versions of other truck models like the Tacoma, reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in its product development strategy. With plans to introduce a variety of electric trucks, Toyota is positioning itself to meet the needs of consumers across different markets and preferences.
As Toyota prepares to launch its first electric pickup truck, the company is focusing on leveraging its existing infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities in Thailand to produce the electric Hilux. By utilizing the same plant that currently produces gas, diesel, and mild-hybrid versions of the Hilux, Toyota can streamline production processes and optimize efficiency for the electric model. The decision to prioritize production in Thailand, a key market for pickups, underscores Toyota’s strategic approach to introducing electric vehicles in markets where there is strong demand for trucks. With a planned production start date by the end of 2025, Toyota is moving ahead with its electric truck ambitions as part of its broader strategy to offer a diverse range of vehicles to customers worldwide.
Overall, Toyota’s push to launch an electric pickup truck signals its commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup and meeting the changing preferences of consumers. With a focus on offering a variety of electric trucks, including the electric Hilux and potential electric versions of other truck models, Toyota is positioning itself for success in the evolving automotive landscape. As the company continues to balance its offerings of combustion engines, hybrids, and electric vehicles, Toyota is demonstrating its flexibility and adaptability in responding to shifting market trends and customer demands. The introduction of the electric Hilux and potential future electric trucks represent a key step in Toyota’s long-term strategy to remain a leader in the automotive industry and drive innovation in sustainable mobility solutions.
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