Toyota’s new Hilux BEV offers 300+ km range, launching in Asia from 2026.
Fuel cell Hilux variant to follow in Europe and Oceania by 2028.
Multi-pathway approach supports carbon neutrality with region-specific powertrains.
Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled the new Hilux, which includes a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant, during a global premiere in Bangkok. The new model represents part of Toyota’s strategy to deploy a range of electrified powertrains globally under its multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality.
The BEV version of the Hilux will launch in Asian markets starting in 2026. A diesel variant for the Japanese market is scheduled to follow by mid-2026. Toyota also confirmed that a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) version of the Hilux is in development, with a planned release in Europe and Oceania beginning in 2028.
Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy is designed to align vehicle technologies with local energy infrastructure and consumer needs. Alongside BEVs and FCEVs, the company will continue to offer hybrid and internal combustion engine models in various regions.
2026 Toyota Hilux | Photo: ToyotaThe Hilux BEV prototype displayed at the Bangkok event features a lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 59.2 kWh. According to Toyota, the model targets a cruising range of more than 300 km based on NEDC standards. The vehicle is equipped with high-output eAxles at both front and rear, delivering a maximum system output of 144 kW (193 hp). The battery pack is mounted beneath the floor, fully utilizing the frame’s width to optimize space and performance.
Key specifications for the BEV version include a length of 5,320 mm, a width of 1,855 mm, a height of 1,800 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,085 mm (2025 Toyota Tacoma dimensions, respectively: 5,744, 1,979 (2,030 hybrid), up to 1,918, and up to 3,686). The prototype features a 4WD driveline, a must to retain the model’s traditional off-road capabilities.
Toyota has produced over 13 million vehicles in Thailand, which has served as a major production hub for the Hilux and other models since the brand’s early expansion outside Japan. The Hilux, first introduced in 1968, became part of the company’s IMV platform in 2004, impacting its international presence.
