SYDNEY: Toyota’s first-ever battery-electric light-commercial vehicle (LCV), the HiLux BEV, will arrive in Australia in May.
Joining the newly launched ninth-generation turbo-diesel HiLux range, the HiLux BEV has been designed with government fleets, mining and construction sectors in mind.
The HiLux BEV has a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD).
The dual-motor AWD comprises a front motor producing 82kW and 206Nm, and a more powerful rear unit capable of 129kW and 269Nm of output.
Combined system output for the HiLux BEV is 144kW (196PS)/468Nm.
For off-roading, Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes to suit the conditions underfoot, adjusting the amount of wheel slip to keep the vehicle moving in low-traction situations.
The 59.2kWh battery offers 150kW CCS2 DC charging capability, which can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
10kW three-phase AC charging capacity can take the battery from 10 to 100 per cent charge in 6.5 hours.
Driving range for the pick-up grades is rated at 315km on the NEDC cycle, while the SR cab-chassis is rated at 245km.
Toyota has conducted a sustained testing programme in collaboration with leading mining fleets.
These vehicles have been trialled extensively in real‑world, high‑demand environments, from hot temperature remote outback operations to off‑road terrains, providing Toyota with robust insights into performance, durability, and capability.
The HiLux BEV will launch in Australia exclusively with the double-cab body style and dual-motor AWD powertrain, in mid-spec SR guise and luxurious SR5.
Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations John Pappas said the arrival of the HiLux BEV marked an important addition to Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.
“This is an exciting time for Toyota; bringing in an electric version of the much-loved HiLux pick-up finally gives businesses and fleets the option of low-emission motoring mixed with Toyota’s extensive parts and servicing network.
“In fact, Toyota has already been testing the HiLux BEV for months on mine sites in temperatures nearing 50°C, ensuring the performance of this new powertrain matches the tried-and-tested HiLux diesel."
To accommodate the battery-electric powertrain, the HiLux BEV features its own, uniquely developed suspension system with frame reinforcements, beefed-up MacPherson strut front suspension and a De-dion rear leaf spring setup which accommodates the rear electric motor while retaining the live axle setup of the HiLux.
Ventilated disc brakes provide strong stopping power and energy recuperation via regenerative braking, while 2000kg of maximum braked towing capacity is offered across the HiLux BEV range.
HiLux BEV grades feature a similar level of specification compared to their diesel-powered counterparts, and is identified from the outside by its closed-off upper front grille and aerodynamically enhanced 17-inch alloy wheels.
SR grades feature LED headlamps with manual leveling, coloured front bumper, painted exterior mirrors and door handles, sharkfin antenna and side steps.
Inside, the SR has fabric upholstery, all-weather floor mats, urethane steering wheel, shift-by-wire gear shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic windows, smart entry and start, and a 1,500W inverter in the centre console box, capable of powering small appliances.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system is paired with a 12.3-inch multi-information display and four-speaker audio system, and offers embedded satellite navigation6 and voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio and a pair of USB-C ports in the front and rear.
The SR5 pick-up adds high-grade LED headlamps with auto-leveling, auto-retracting and heated exterior mirrors, LED foglamps and tail-lights, rear privacy glass and painted hood moulding and radiator lower grille.
Inside, more luxurious features include leather-accented upholstery, heated front seats with powered driver’s adjustment and two-way lumbar support, heated steering wheel, carpeted floor, electrochromatic rearview mirror, soft, lidded instrument panel, silver door handles, eight-speaker audio system and wireless phone charger.
A full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety features including Pre-Collision System autonomous emergency braking, dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking support brake (pick-up only), road sign assist and automatic high beam are standard on the HiLux BEV, along with a panoramic view monitor, front and rear parking sensors (pick-up only), tyre pressure monitor and eight SRS airbags.
