Toyota Hilux has been a workhorse for more than five decades now and described as an indestructible vehicle that could survive an apocalypse. With its direct rival Ford F150 transforming into an all-electric vehicle, it was only a matter of time before Toyota decided to reincarnate the Hilux in a battery-powered avatar.
According to a recent report by Reuters, Toyota will kick start production of the fully-electric Hilux in 2025. This development was confirmed by Noriaki Yamashita, head of Toyota Thailand. The produce will be utilised for both domestic sales and exports.
Toyota Hilux EV: Isuzu D-Max EV, Ford F150 Lightning rival
The announcement came just a few days after the Thai government revealed that rival Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors said it would manufacture its battery D-Max pickup in Thailand by 2025. Images of the all-electric D-Max recently went viral on the internet before making its maiden public appearance at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS).

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Bangkok International Motor Show, Yamashita said the Hilux could be ready by the end of next year. However, he didn’t specify where the vehicle would be produced. He further added that Toyota expects to sell 250,000 vehicles in Thailand this year.
Toyota showcased the Hilux EV concept last year on the occasion of its 60th anniversary in Thailand. The all-electric pickup truck visually looks very similar to the fossil-fueled sibling. The battery-powered Hilux will flaunt some subtle styling variations such as a sealed-off nose and blue accents in comparison to its diesel-powered counterpart.
The recent Reuters report further states that Yamashita confirmed that Hilux Electric will first undergo extensive testing in the resort town of Pattaya in Thailand. The town is expected to receive a dozen electric Hilux pickups next month, which will be used as public vehicles. The move should help figure out the Electric Hilux’s capabilities and limits before the model enters mass production for global markets.
(With imputs from Reuters)