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.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage...
Read more

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem...
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th...
Read more