469
The Japanese automaker plans to introduce an electric version of the Toyota Hilux pickup by the end of 2025. We will remind that in 2022, at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the car manufacturer in Thailand, an electric conceptual version of the popular pickup was demonstrated
Toyota Thailand's Noriaki Yamashita confirmed this week that the production version of the electric pickup is just around the corner. However, Yamashita did not specify where the electric Hilux BEV will be manufactured.
He also noted that before starting production, the pickup will be tested in the resort city of Pattaya, located in the east of Thailand. Next month, the city is expected to receive about 12 electric pickup trucks that will be used by various utilities in the popular tourist destination.
Toyota's announcement comes days after the Thai government announced that rival Isuzu will produce an electric version of its D-MAX pickup truck in Thailand starting in 2025.
Interestingly, Toyota currently controls about 30 percent of the European pickup truck segment. Emmanuel Bonet, head of the commercial vehicle division on the continent, recently revealed that the automaker has received inquiries about the electric pickup truck from the marque's loyal corporate customers.
In conclusion, he said that the company is studying the prospects of introducing an electric Hilux to European consumers. According to him, Toyota follows a "multi-channel approach" that offers buyers a variety of powertrains, including electric versions, internal combustion engines, hybrids and even hydrogen modifications.
