Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) previously said that it will be introducing several new models this year, which include the already launched all-new RAV4 HEV and the Urban Cruiser BEV. Joining the list of TMP’s confirmed upcoming new models is the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, and the car brand looks to be gearing up to bring the Hilux Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) to the country.
The reason for this is that the Toyota Hilux BEV is already listed among the recognized electric vehicles in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) online portal. As of this writing, the official full specs have yet to be revealed by Toyota PH, but the initial specs shown on the DOE website show that the upcoming Toyota Hilux is a 4×4 BEV. The said Toyota pickup truck is equipped with a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and has a maximum power output of 176 horsepower.
With the said initial specs, we can expect that the Toyota Hilux 4×4 BEV could most likely come with similar specs to the Hilux Travo-e, which comes with dual electric motors. The front motor generates 205 Nm of torque while the rear produces 269 Nm. The maximum estimated range for the Toyota Hilux BEV is more than 300 kilometers. Moreover, the Hilux Travo-e in Thailand comes with Multi-Terrain Select, which features drive modes such as Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock, and Mogul.
The Hilux Travo-e also comes with Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance technology, which includes features such as blind spot monitor, panoramic view monitor, trailer sway control, rear-cross traffic alert, pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beam, among others.
Toyota said that the Hilux BEV is expected to deliver the same practicality, toughness, and reliability that have made the pickup truck a global benchmark. The company also confirmed that the electric version will be built on the same IMV (innovative international multi-purpose vehicle) platform as the diesel variant, ensuring familiar dimensions and versatility. Of note, the all-new Toyota Hilux still comes with a diesel engine option that delivers around 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.
Autocar’s Take
It seems that Toyota Motor Philippines is preparing for the launch of the all-new Hilux, which could most likely include the BEV variant. This is huge as Toyota PH will now have its own challenger in the electrified pickup truck segment. The introduction of the all-new Hilux BEV also means that Toyota PH’s electric vehicle offering will further expand, as the said pickup truck will join the bZ4X and the Urban Cruiser.
From the looks of it, Toyota PH wants to further establish its foothold in the local market, as it continues to launch new vehicles, which would help the car brand maintain its number one position in the local market.
