Just 240km range likely for new Toyota HiLux BEV

THE FIRST fully electric Toyota HiLux will reach Australia in 2026 with a technical package selected for urban fleet operations rather than private, heavy-duty or long-distance work.

Early, pre-homologation figures released by Toyota Motor Europe (TME) have outlined the basic specifications of the HiLux BEV, which will feature dual-motor four-wheel drive—but with a very compact battery that prioritises payload and passenger capacity over range.

TME data confirms the use of a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery that meets Toyota requirements for off-road use. TME has estimated the driving range to be just 240km (WLTP) with consumption of 24.6kWh/100km.

The remarkably modest energy storage plays a central role in weight control for the HiLux BEV. While a kerb weight is not provided, TME estimates that the payload will be 715kg (compared to 764kg for the outgoing HiLux 2.8-litre diesel in Rogue mild-hybrid trim).

As foreshadowed recently by Toyota Motor Company Australia (TMCA) vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley, however, towing capacity is diminished compared to a diesel HiLux, with the BEV hauling just 1600kg.

TMCA has, for months, indicated that the HiLux BEV will be aimed squarely at organisations with predictable, urban duty cycles and with the ability to charge an electric ute at a fleet base.

Local councils, other government fleet, corporates with strict ESG targets and town-based tradies are the primary targets for the HiLux BEV.

Mr Hanley recently told GoAuto that TMCA would launch the HiLux BEV in 2026 “to meet the needs of largely fleet buyers that require the payload and passenger capacity that HiLux offers, and are able to recharge easily and economically.”

TME claims that the HiLux will have “best in class” charging capabilities to minimise vehicle off-road time during shifts.

While power output from the dual motor ‘eAxle’ 4WD system is yet to be confirmed, TME advises that the configuration produces 205Nm from the front axle and 268Nm from the rear axle for 473Nm combined.

A high degree of off-road capability is said to carry across into the HiLux BEV, with the Multi-Terrain Select system calibrated to provide brake and torque modulation “equivalent to driving in L4 (low range) in a conventionally powered vehicle.”

Australian homologation of the HiLux BEV is yet to be completed. GoAuto understands that the European figures for the electric ute are close to the mark for Australia and that only minor deviations are expected locally.

Compared with diesel versions of the HiLux, the trade-offs for going electric mainly relate to towing (1600kg vs 3500kg) and especially range (240km vs theoretically around 1000km for the diesel).

Globally, carmakers have been vexed by the issues posed by electrifying commercial vehicles. Long driving range requires a large battery, which in turn increases vehicle mass, reducing payload if the gross vehicle mass is not upped via various strengthening measures.

TMCA has acknowledged that demand exists for a HiLux BEV from customers with ESG requirements that require the durability of the ute, access to the Toyota service network and who can accept range trade-offs.

However, TMCA has also announced that it will introduce a hydrogen-fuelled HiLux FCEV into the Australian market in 2028 with longer driving range and heavier towing capabilities than the BEV.