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The first all-electric Toyota HiLux ute is set to go on sale in Australia showrooms in May, with dual motors producing 144kW/468Nm and a claimed range of between 245km and 315km.
It is Toyota’s first major step in the EV space since the February 2024 release of its bZ4X SUV and one of the first battery electric utes from a volume-selling brand in Australia.
Dubbed the Toyota HiLux BEV, it will initially be offered in dual cab configuration and target government fleets and companies in the mining and construction sectors.
Buyers can choose from three spec levels: SR double cab chassis ($74,990 plus on road costs), SR pickup ($76,490) and SR5 pickup ($82,990). These represent price hikes of about $15,000 over their 2.8-litre turbo-diesel counterparts.
Underpinning Toyota’s electric ute is a battery-electric powertrain consisting of a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The front motor produces 82kW and 206Nm, while the more powerful rear unit develops 129kW and 269Nm for a combined 144kW and 468Nm output.
By comparison, the long-proven 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine in the conventional Toyota HiLux produces 150kW and 420Nm.
The 59.2kWh battery has 150kW CCS2 DC charging capability, with a claimed 10 to 80 per cent charging time of 30 minutes. The Toyota HiLux BEV also has 10kW three-phase AC charging offering 10 to 100 per cent in around 6.5 hours.
Range for the pick-up grades is a claimed 315km on the generous NEDC cycle, while the SR cab-chassis is rated at 245km – these figures will likely be substantially smaller on the WLTP cycle.
Toyota says it has “conducted a comprehensive and sustained testing program in collaboration with leading mining fleets” and trialled the HiLux BEV in “high‑demand environments, from hot temperature remote outback operations to off‑road terrains”.
Torque distribution between the front and rear axles provides full-time AWD during ordinary driving, while Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes to suit a range of off-roading conditions.
The Toyota HiLux BEV has a braked tow rating of 2000kg across the range, well below the 3500kg its diesel cousin can offer.
Also distinguishing the HiLux BEV from its ICE cousin is its closed-off upper front grille and aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels.
“Offering both Australian businesses and private buyers the choice of a HiLux with zero tailpipe emissions is a crucial step forward in providing consumers the right powertrain for the right application, at the right time,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, John Pappas.
“This is an exciting time for Toyota; bringing in an electric version of the much-loved HiLux pick-up finally gives businesses and fleets the option of low-emission motoring mixed with Toyota’s extensive parts and servicing network.”
