Toyota Tests Electric Hilux Pickup Truck in Thailand

Key Highlights:
•    Toyota tests electric Hilux pickup in Thailand, eyeing production by 2025.
•    Pickup trucks rule Thailand's market, posing competition from Chinese EV makers.
•    Isuzu Motors plans electric pickup production in Thailand. 
•    Toyota is considering exporting the Hilux BEV. 
•    Hybrid sales are expected to rise in Thailand and Southeast Asia, amid competition from Great Wall Motor.

According to an executive, Toyota Motor is testing the new battery-electric Hilux pickup truck in various situations as the company prepares to build the vehicle in Thailand by the end of 2025.

"Our intention is to be producing the Hilux BEV over here," Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia, stated in the Future Mobility Asia meeting. Ganesh refuses to release pricing or production volume information for the Hilux BEV, Toyota's first EV pickup truck.

Rival Isuzu Motors, a Japanese automaker, plans to build its electric D-MAX pickup truck in Thailand, the Thai government announced in March.

Thailand, where pickup trucks constitute over half of total vehicle sales, holds significant importance for Toyota. The Japanese automaker faces competition from a surge of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in the region. In Thailand, the Japanese automaker has a significant manufacturing presence.

Testing Phase

Toyota is testing the Hilux BEV under various usage scenarios, road and temperature situations. "The more range I have to put on it, the more battery I have to put on it, which means the weight of the vehicle also becomes significantly heavier, which means the loading can be much less," Ganesh stated. The company is particularly focused on ensuring the vehicle meets customer requirements.

The vehicle will primarily focus on the Thai domestic market, although Ganesh confirmed that the automaker will consider exporting the Hilux BEV. 

Hybrid Focus

Despite the electric vehicle push, Toyota continues to profit from the demand for hybrid vehicles. With a stronghold in petrol-electric hybrids, the company expects this segment to grow, especially in Southeast Asian markets.

Also Read: BharatBenz Trucks to Roll Out with Advanced Safety Features

Sales Figures

In 2023, the company sold slightly more than 30,000 hybrid automobiles in Thailand, accounting for around 11.5% of its total vehicle sales in the country.

CMV360 Says

Toyota's strategic move to test and potentially manufacture the battery-electric Hilux pickup truck in Thailand demonstrates its commitment to staying competitive in the evolving automotive landscape. 

By catering to the growing demand for electric vehicles while maintaining focus on its hybrid offerings, Toyota aims to secure its position in key markets like Thailand and Southeast Asia amidst increasing competition.