Hilux BEV orders open soon
Toyota’s first battery-electric ute, the Hilux BEV, will be available for Kiwis to pre-order towards the end of this month.
Andrew Davis, chief strategic officer of Toyota NZ, says its arrival marks a “milestone and strategic addition” to the marque’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.
“Offering a Hilux with zero emissions is a crucial step forward in providing consumers the right powertrain for the right application, at the right time,” he adds.
“Critically, we’ve been able to secure both the wellside and cab-chassis variants giving customers the flexibility to customise, as they would any other Hilux powertrain in our range, to suit their needs.
“Private buyers looking to switch to an electric ute will have the backing and confidence of build quality, service options and genuine accessories.”
Davis describes the fully electric as “ideal for everyday operational roles and predictable routes”. He says: “It would also work best where charging is easily accessible and daily travel distances are less than 200km. It will fit seamlessly into many working environments and holds its own on rugged terrain too.”
The fully electric ute is being launched on our shores exclusively with the double-cab body matched to a cab chassis or wellside with a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain and in mid-specification SR or premium SR5 guise.
To ensure the BEV can tackle many New Zealand environments its diesel and diesel Hybrid-powered sibling is so familiar with, Toyota conducted a comprehensive programme in collaboration with leading Australian mining fleets.
These vehicles were trialled extensively in high-demand environments, from hot and remote outback operations to off-road terrains. Since arriving in New Zealand, the Hilux BEV has been stood up against its diesel cousin in challenging off-road situations “and didn’t miss a beat”.
Davis says the Hilux BEV gives organisations more options to match the right powertrain to the right role. Diesel remains essential for heavy-duty tasks, such as carrying high payloads and towing, while the Hilux BEV suits roles with different demands. The all-electric ute “fills an important gap by offering size, space and comfort with zero emissions where it makes sense”.
The Hilux BEV’s powertrain consists of a newly developed 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor AWD system, providing strong and tractable driving performance.
The system produces a combined output of 144kW with torque distribution variably controlled between the front and rear axles during on-road driving to provide high traction.
For off-roading, Toyota’s multi-terrain select traction-control system offers six different drive modes to suit the conditions, adjusting the amount of wheel slip to keep the vehicle moving in low-traction situations. It maintains the same wading depth of 700mm as the standard Hilux.
The 59.2kWh battery offers DC charging capability, which can replenish the battery from 10-80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes. The 10kW three-phase AC charging capacity can take the battery from 10-100 per cent charge in around five-and-a-half hours.
Driving range for the cab-chassis variant is 245km on the NEDC cycle, while the wellside variants coming in at 315km.
To accommodate the battery-electric powertrain, the Hilux BEV features a unique suspension system with frame reinforcements, beefed-up MacPherson strut front suspension and a De-dion rear-leaf springs, which accommodate the rear electric motor while retaining the Hilux’s live axle.
Ventilated disc brakes provide strong stopping power and energy recuperation via regenerative braking. A Hilux BEV, fitted with a Toyota Genuine Accessories towbar, can tow a maximum 2,000kg braked and 750kg unbraked.
Hilux BEV grades feature similar levels of specifications compared to their diesel counterparts, and are identified from the outside by their closed-off upper front grille and aerodynamically enhanced 17-inch alloys.
Toyota Safety Sense active features include pre-collision system with motorcycle detection, intersection collision avoidance, road-sign assist, automatic high beam and lane-tracing assist. The SR wellside and SR5 add a higher definition panoramic-view monitor, four front and rear sensors, and parking support brake.
Two exterior paint colours will be available on the Hilux BEV – glacier white and ash. Both wellside variants feature an A-deck layout with four tie-down hooks, tailgate assist and 275kg-rated side-deck step. Pricing will be announced later in May.
