Toyota Electrifies Its Legacy: Hilux EV Production Confirmed for 2025
Toyota has officially confirmed plans to electrify its iconic Hilux pickup truck, with production set to commence in 2025 in Thailand. This decision marks a significant shift for Toyota as it adapts to the evolving automotive landscape, especially with competitors like Ford F150 transitioning to electric powertrains. While Toyota has yet to confirm whether the all-electric Hilux will be available in India, if it does arrive, it is expected to be offered as a fully-imported CBU (Completely Built-Up) model.
The Toyota Hilux has been renowned for its durability and robustness, serving as a dependable workhorse for over five decades. Its reputation as an indestructible vehicle has solidified its position in the market. With the automotive industry undergoing a paradigm shift towards electrification, Toyota”s decision to introduce an all-electric version of the Hilux reflects its commitment to embracing sustainable mobility solutions.
According to a recent report by Reuters, Noriaki Yamashita, head of Toyota Thailand, confirmed that production of the fully-electric Hilux will commence in 2025. This move underscores Toyota”s commitment to leveraging electric vehicle technology to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The electric Hilux will be manufactured in Thailand to cater to both domestic and export markets, signaling Toyota”s strategic focus on expanding its electric vehicle portfolio globally.
The announcement comes on the heels of a similar move by rival Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors, which revealed plans to produce its battery-powered D-Max pickup truck in Thailand by 2025. The emergence of electric pickup trucks reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable transportation solutions in the automotive market.
During the Bangkok International Motor Show, Yamashita hinted that the electric Hilux could be ready for launch by the end of the following year. While details regarding the production location remain undisclosed, Toyota anticipates selling 250,000 vehicles in Thailand this year, underscoring its strong market presence and growth prospects in the region.
Toyota had previously unveiled the Hilux EV concept, showcasing its vision for an all-electric pickup truck. The concept featured subtle styling differences compared to its diesel-powered counterpart, including a sealed-off nose and blue accents to denote its electric powertrain. The decision to conduct extensive testing of the Hilux Electric in Pattaya, Thailand, underscores Toyota”s commitment to ensuring the vehicle”s performance and reliability under real-world conditions before mass production.
The deployment of electric Hilux pickups in Pattaya for public use will provide valuable insights into the vehicle”s capabilities and performance, helping Toyota fine-tune its electric vehicle technology for global markets. As the automotive industry embraces electrification, Toyota”s foray into electric pickups reflects its dedication to innovation and sustainability, paving the way for a greener future of mobility.
