Toyota: PHEV Technology Not Yet Suitable for Heavy-Duty Hilux

Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota has stated that it will not yet introduce plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology to its flagship pickup truck, the Hilux. CarsCoops reported on Tuesday (7/7) local time that Toyota considers the technology currently unable to meet the demands of heavy-duty use, particularly regarding payload capacity and towing capability. The statement was made by Toyota Australia’s management amid increasing competition in the electrified pickup segment. Several manufacturers, especially from China, have already offered PHEV pickup models such as the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha, and the Chery Stockman which is soon to launch in several markets. Toyota Australia’s Senior Manager of Product Planning and Pricing, Ray Munday, said the company is continuously studying the opportunity to present a Hilux PHEV. However, Toyota does not want to rush the launch of a product deemed not yet capable of meeting the performance standards expected by customers. Such a condition could potentially reduce payload capacity as well as the vehicle’s ability to tow heavy loads. “That technology currently may not necessarily meet our standards regarding the heavy towing capability required by Hilux customers,” Munday said. He added that consumer expectations for Toyota and the Hilux are very high, so the company must ensure every new technology is truly ready for use in various operational conditions. Toyota considers work capability a crucial factor in the pickup segment. Currently, the diesel-engined Hilux can offer a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kilograms and a payload of around one tonne. The company is concerned that a PHEV configuration cannot yet match that capability in daily use. Therefore, Toyota is for the time being still focusing its PHEV technology development on passenger car and SUV lines, while waiting for the technology to mature for light commercial vehicles and pickups. Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations, John Pappas, said the company continues to review various drivetrain options, but every technology must be able to answer customer needs before being marketed. Currently, Toyota has offered the Hilux with a choice of diesel, mild-hybrid, and pure electric versions in several markets. The Japanese manufacturer is also preparing a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based variant scheduled to join the Hilux lineup in 2028, as part of a strategy to present diverse electrification technologies according to vehicle usage characteristics.