Toyota unveils BEV powered Hilux for cabon neutral future bid

A BEV-powered Hilux? This is all part of Toyota’s plans to be carbon neutral in the future with a range of plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell vehicles. The question is, can an electric-powered bakkie work in a place like South Africa?

Image: Toyota

The future is nigh and electrification is here. Utilitarian vehicles that typically would not lend themselves well to electrification are now dabbling with the technology and the latest to be unveiled is the BEV-powered Hilux. 

Unveiled in Thailand and based on the current-generation Hilux, the model is visually differentiated from the standard bakkie through several styling changes. The most prominent of these exist at the front end, where a closed-off grille replaces the slotted version that feeds a radiator. On the side, things are almost the same save for a charging port in the passenger-side front quarter panel.

BEV powered Hilux

Image: Toyota

The rest remains, well, a Hilux, with the single-cab silhouette not deviating too greatly from what we know and love in South Africa. The model dubbed the Hilux Revo BEV Concept hasn’t been revealed with a bevy of details but it serves to commemorate the 60th anniversary between Toyota and Thailand. The choice to unveil this monumental statement for future carbon neutrality in the South East Asian nation was accredited to the fact that some of its development was done at Toyota facilities in the country.

Unfortunately, there are no technical specifications on the BEV-powered Hilux which will be crucial in determining if this model has what it takes to challenge the conventionally powered bakkie hierarchy. 

Related: Hydrogen fuel cell powered Hilux developement underway

Electric power in vehicles is economical in principle but does not lend itself well to utilitarian use. Range limitations in remote areas are a significant aspect that naysayers will argue, as are towing constraints which would remove chunks of driving range from the battery when laden. This is the predominant function of the majority of single-cab Hilux models sold in South Africa and when paired to the power struggle of our nation, the recipe will likely fail here however the popular bakkie is sold in dozens of other countries, which is where potential success may lie. 

Regardless, this is all part of Toyota’s bid to be carbon neutral in the future with a range of plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell vehicles. Toyota chief executive Akio Toyoda stated: “To achieve carbon neutrality, we must remember that carbon is the real enemy, not a particular powertrain. BEV’s are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals. 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. Also, we are pursuing hydrogen fuel options like these GR-Yaris and GR-Corolla hydrogen powered concept cars. As we work to achieve a sustainable future, I also believe we need to take a holistic approach to carbon neutrality.”

The post Toyota unveils BEV powered Hilux for cabon neutral future bid appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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