Toyota’s legendary pickup gets a modern twist with a battery-electric model, alongside diesel and hydrogen variants under its multi-pathway carbon neutrality plan.
Toyota Hilux Goes Electric — A Bold Step Forward
Toyota has officially pulled the wraps off the all-new Hilux, and this time it’s not just another facelift — it’s a full-blown next-gen upgrade. Making its world premiere in Bangkok, Thailand, the ninth-generation Hilux now includes a battery-electric version (BEV) for the very first time.
If you’ve always known the Hilux as the tough, go-anywhere pickup, Toyota’s latest move adds a futuristic layer to that legacy — all while sticking to its “multi-pathway” plan for carbon neutrality.
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A Closer Look at the Electric Hilux
The Hilux BEV runs on a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a range of over 300km per charge. It packs dual eAxles — one at the front and one at the rear — that together generate 144kW of power.
Toyota says improved eAxle efficiency helps boost both range and performance, which means this isn’t just a green version of the Hilux — it’s still capable of doing what Hilux owners expect it to do.
Dimension-wise, the BEV prototype measures 5,320mm long, 1,855mm wide, and 1,800mm tall, with a 3,085mm wheelbase. The battery pack sits neatly under the floor for better balance and cabin space. Add to that a 4WD setup, and it’s clear Toyota doesn’t want the EV tag to water down Hilux’s off-road DNA.
Launch Timeline and Future Plans
Toyota confirmed that the new Hilux will start rolling out across Asian markets from 2026, with Japan getting the diesel version by mid-year. For Europe and Oceania, a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) model is also in the works, planned for 2028.
Speaking at the event, Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer, said the company is focused on giving customers multiple choices for a greener future — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
“No two regions are the same, and no customer is the same,” Humphries noted, emphasizing Toyota’s ‘Mobility for All’ vision.
Hilux Legacy: Built Tough Since 1968
The Hilux nameplate has been around since 1968, earning its reputation for toughness and reliability across every kind of terrain imaginable. Built on Toyota’s IMV platform since 2004, the pickup is now sold in over 130 countries.
Thailand, where the new Hilux was unveiled, plays a major role in that story — it’s Toyota’s key production hub outside Japan, with over 13 million vehicles produced to date.
The India Connection
In India, the Toyota Hilux is already on sale with prices starting from ₹28.02 lakh and going up to ₹35.37 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s powered by a 2.7-litre diesel engine that churns out 204PS and up to 500Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
While Toyota hasn’t confirmed whether the electric Hilux will reach India soon, the shift toward cleaner powertrains could make it a strong candidate for future local assembly — especially as EV adoption continues to grow.
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Final Thoughts
Toyota’s decision to bring an electric Hilux signals a big step in the brand’s long-term electrification journey. Instead of betting everything on EVs alone, Toyota is choosing variety over uniformity — offering diesel, hybrid, electric, and even hydrogen-powered options based on regional needs.
It’s a strategy that feels practical, especially for a vehicle known to conquer every corner of the planet.
