Electric Toyota HiAce concept Tokyo motor show

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【Summary】Toyota has unveiled an electric concept version of its popular HiAce van ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show. The electric HiAce may be available in showrooms by the mid-2020s, either as a modified diesel version or as a dedicated electric vehicle. It will join a growing list of electric vans from manufacturers worldwide. The concept is based on the global H300-series HiAce and features a closed-off front fascia, one seat, and a larger load area.

FutureCar Staff Oct 15, 2023 11:24 PM PT

Electric Toyota HiAce concept Tokyo motor show

An electric version of the Toyota HiAce van has been unveiled in Japan as a concept ahead of its debut at the Tokyo motor show next week. Reports suggest that an electric HiAce may be available in showrooms by the mid-2020s, either based on the current diesel version or as a completely new electric vehicle similar to the VW ID. Buzz. This would add to the growing list of battery-powered vans from manufacturers in Europe, the US, and China.

The concept is called the Global HiAce BEV Concept and is based on the H300-series HiAce sold outside of Japan since 2019. Japan still uses the previous-generation H200 model introduced in 2005. Toyota has not released details about the powertrain of the concept vehicle, and it is unclear if it is a drivable vehicle or just a static display for the motor show.

The electric HiAce concept features a futuristic closed-off front fascia, black wheel covers, BEV badges, and various decals. Inside, it has a single seat, providing a larger load area that can accommodate items up to 3.5 meters long. Toyota claims that the electric van can improve delivery efficiency through connected technology, optimizing delivery routes and displaying the loading location of the next package to be delivered.

The Global HiAce BEV Concept is based on the long-wheelbase version of the latest HiAce, measuring 5280mm long, 1950mm wide, 1990mm tall, and with a wheelbase length of 3210mm. The cargo area is 1715mm wide and 1270mm tall. The electric HiAce concept will make its public debut at the Tokyo motor show next week, displayed by Toyota Auto Body, the manufacturing subsidiary of Toyota.

Alex Misoyannis is a car journalist who has been writing about cars since 2017. He started his own website, Redline, and later contributed to Drive before joining CarAdvice in 2019. Cars have always been a significant part of Alex's life, from reading car magazines as a child to growing up in a car-loving family surrounded by performance vehicles.