Toyota's electric utility vehicle for testing in Australia

author: FutureCar Staff    

Toyota showcased its new generation of hybrid cars and utes with battery assistance technology at an event in Melbourne this week. The event also included the unveiling of the HiLux Revo concept vehicle, an electric ute designed for short journeys. Toyota Australia sales vice-president Sean Hanley acknowledged criticism of the brand for its lack of electric cars but assured that Toyota is actively working on technologies to reduce vehicle pollution.

While the release of the HiLux Revo as a production model in Australia is uncertain, Hanley expressed optimism and a commitment to pursuing the opportunity to bring such a vehicle to the market in the future. However, he noted that a zero-emission, load-carrying, trailer-towing, remote area, off-road HiLux 4x4 is not yet possible with current electric vehicle technology and may require hydrogen fuel-cells.

In addition to the HiLux Revo, Toyota's first electric vehicle, the bZ4X SUV, will also be delayed in its Australian launch. The local arm of Toyota is awaiting a larger share of vehicles with upgraded specifications before introducing the bZ4X SUV. The initial plan was to release it this year, but now the first cars are expected to roll out of showrooms in February 2024, with several thousand cars to be delivered that year.

Other vehicles showcased at the event included second-generation C-HR SUV hybrids set to launch next year, as well as early versions of a HiLux ute and LandCruiser Prado equipped with 48-Volt Technology. This technology utilizes a battery and small generator to reduce fuel consumption.

The event took place shortly after the federal government released submissions to its fuel-efficiency standard consultation, which showed significant support for the introduction of a pollution cap on vehicles released in Australia. This standard, recommended in the government's National Electric Vehicle Strategy, aims to encourage the import of more low-emission models.

In conclusion, Toyota's showcase of hybrid cars, utes with battery assistance technology, and the HiLux Revo electric ute highlights the brand's commitment to reducing vehicle pollution. While the release of the HiLux Revo as a production model in Australia is uncertain, Toyota remains optimistic about bringing such vehicles to the market in the future. The delay in the Australian launch of the bZ4X SUV is due to the wait for vehicles with upgraded specifications. The event also showcased other Toyota vehicles equipped with innovative technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption. The federal government's fuel-efficiency standard consultation received widespread support for the introduction of a pollution cap to encourage the import of low-emission models.

FutureCar Staff