240km range, 1600kg towing: Hilux BEV specs confirmed with dual-motor 4WD, minor changes still possible for Australia

Some specs of the certainly electric version of the contemporary Toyota Hilux possess been confirmed, with the BEV ute sacrificing long range in favour of asserting payload skill that is reasonably near the diesel version.

Toyota Motor Company Australia (TMCA) has continually pressured that the 2026 Hilux BEV could be focussed on fleets (equivalent to native councils) and town-based mostly tradies that primarily force in urban areas — and the emblem used to be not kidding.

The Jap ticket’s European arm, Toyota Motor Europe (TME), has revealed key specs that confirm proper how urban-targeted the dual-motor 4wd Hilux BEV truly is.

59kWh battery presents estimated 240km driving range (WLTP)

A lithium-ion battery safe from water ingress however with proper 59.2kWh of skill presents a driving range of proper 240km (WLTP) for the European market based mostly on TME-estimated consumption of 24.6kWh/100km.

That driving range is decrease than a quarter of the claimed range of a Forty eight-volt diesel Hilux SR5, which promises to wring 1111 kilometres out of its 80-litre gas tank.

The Hilux BEV’s 240km range is shorter than the 330km (WLTP) claimed by the LDV eT60, unless now the neatly suited diversified electric ute equipped as a brand contemporary automobile in Australia.

While the electrical Hilux’s range is incredibly brief, Toyota claims that it has “targeted simplest-in-class charging capabilities that will decrease automobile down-time.”

715kg payload competitive with diesel, however supreme 1600kg towing skill

Toyota has determined to defend the Hilux battery little (and therefore light) to defend cheap payload skill, with TME indicating a “tentative, pre-homologation” payload figure of 715kg.

The identical pre-homologation indication from TME suggests the Hilux BEV’s braked towing skill could be 1600kg.

These specs carefully align to indications given by TMCA vice president of sales and advertising and marketing Sean Hanley in contemporary months.

“Within the principle quarter of subsequent three hundred and sixty five days, we are going to be launching a brand contemporary Hilux BEV to fulfill the needs of largely speedily merchants that require the payload and passenger skill that Hilux presents, and are in a position to recharge without concerns and economically,” he knowledgeable Chasing Autos closing month.

“Now we possess considered a growing count on for BEVs in the ute space, in particular among speedily merchants,” mentioned Hanley.

For comparability’s sake, the outgoing Hilux Rogue diesel has a same payload of 764kg however a towing skill of 3500kg.

Toyota will describe an total range of diesel-powered gadgets with in general heavy-responsibility specs in the arrival hours.

Favorite dual-motor 4wd setup, Australian homologation yet to advance serve

Chasing Autos understands that the Australian homologation activity for the Hilux BEV can also reside up in minor amendments to the figures for the native market.

Nonetheless, no sizable differences or adjustments to the above Hilux BEV specs are most likely for Australia.

Twin electric motors are dwelling to give a theoretical 473Nm of torque (205Nm from the entrance motor, and 268Nm from the rear motor), though energy output has not yet been disclosed.

TME says that the Multi-Terrain Opt instrument suited to the Hilux BEV could be in a position to present brake and torque alter “honest like driving in L4 [low range] in a conventionally powered automobile.”

Hydrogeon Hilux FCEV coming in 2028 with longer range, better towing

While Toyota can also resolve to pork up Hilux BEV specs in time, in particular as increased battery energy density enables range to be prolonged without increasing battery weight (and reducing payload), one other solution is in the wings.

TMCA introduced earlier this week that it will import a gas cell electric (FCEV) hyrdrogen-fuelled version of the Hilux from 2028.

The Hilux FCEV is at risk of promise circa-500km range and higher towing skill than the BEV version of the ute, though hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is few and far between.

To fight the latter agonize, Toyota Australia has promised to invest in mobile hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for speedily possibilities.