The future of Hilux? Toyota showcases new EV concept

Toyota has celebrated its 60^th anniversary in Thailand by unveiling two fully electric bakkies based on the Hilux and a new concept spun-off of the Compact Cruiser EV SUV.

Presented by Toyota President and CEO Akio Toyoda, the Hilux Revo BEV Concept uses the single cab Hilux as a base, but despite appearing production ready, is touted as nothing but a prototype for the time being.

Two different EV bakkie concepts

Compared to a standard Hilux, the BEV Concept has had its front facia remodelled to feature a sealed grille, with only a thin intake existing as part of the Toyota logo bar. No further changes have seemingly taken place at the rear, with Toyota also declining to provide images of the interior.

Even more fascinating is the IMV O Concept named after the Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle body-on-frame platform that has underpinned the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova since 2004.

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Borrowing styling from the Compact Cruiser EV that debuted in December last year, as part of Toyota’s mass 16 EV model roll-out, the IMV O Concept sports a flat rear deck that can be converted to accommodate a variety of bodystyles ranging from business to lifestyle requirements.

“Between them, they represent two different ends of the automotive spectrum, for different needs and different customers. One is designed to support economic growth, and the other one designed to support carbon neutrality and a better environment for all,” Toyoda said in a statement.

Don’t only look towards EV tech

Despite not revealing any details about the powertrain themselves, Toyoda, who earlier this year received criticism from some quarters for not fast-tracking Toyota’s switch to electric propulsion, hinted that while it remains committed to obtaining sales of 3.5-million electric vehicles by 2030, EVs alone won’t contribute to less reliance on fossil-fuels.

“To achieve carbon neutrality, we must remember that carbon is the real enemy, not a particular powertrain. And frankly, BEV’s are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals,” Toyoda said.

“At Toyota we believe in creating a full portfolio of carbon reducing choices for our customers from hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, battery electric cars, and fuel cell vehicles. As we work to achieve a sustainable future, I also believe we need to take a holistic approach to carbon neutrality.”

Earlier this month, Toyota announced it had received backing and indeed funding from the UK Government to develop a fuel-cell powered version of the Hilux that is meant to serve as an alternative to the now revealed fully electric version.

“The UK is one of the key markets for pick-up trucks and is an important market for Toyota. This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to develop a zero emissions solution in a critical market segment,” Toyota Europe President and CEO Matt Harrison said in a statement.

Could it happen?

As is known by now, Toyota is working on a replacement for the North American Tacoma that will be reportedly be unveiled next year, and which will be aligned closer to the Hilux for the first time since 1995.

For its part, the Hilux is anticipated to bow not long after the Tacoma and although the revealed battery model remains a concept at present, don’t surprised if it becomes a reality before the next generation enters production.

Given that a Tacoma-styled electric bakkie did premiere as part of the mass EV roll-out last year, an announcement regarding confirmation no longer appears unlikely.

Additional information from motor1.com, Toyota Thailand and Grand Prix Online.