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. The showcase came shortly after the Australian government received overwhelming support for a fuel-efficiency standard that could lead to the import of more low-emission vehicles into the country.

Despite criticism for its lack of electric car launches, Toyota Australia sales vice-president Sean Hanley stated that the company is actively working on technologies to reduce vehicle pollution. One of the vehicles showcased was the HiLux Revo concept, a two-wheel drive ute designed for short journeys. It will be tested and evaluated in Australia, although its release date is uncertain.

Hanley expressed optimism about the future availability of the HiLux Revo electric ute in the Australian market. However, he acknowledged that a zero-emission, load-carrying, trailer-towing, remote area, off-road HiLux 4x4 is not currently feasible with electric vehicle technology and may require hydrogen fuel cells.

The Australian launch of Toyota's first electric vehicle, the bZ4X SUV, will be delayed by several months due to the local arm's desire for a larger share of vehicles with upgraded specifications. Originally scheduled for release this year, the bZ4X SUV will now be available in showrooms starting in February 2024, with several thousand cars expected to be delivered that year.

In addition to the electric vehicles, Toyota also showcased second-generation C-HR SUV hybrids that are expected to launch next year. The event also featured early versions of a HiLux ute and LandCruiser Prado with 48-Volt Technology, which utilizes a battery and small generator to reduce fuel consumption.

The showcase took place after the Australian government publicly released submissions to its fuel-efficiency standard consultation, which demonstrated widespread support for the proposed change. The standard, as recommended in the government's National Electric Vehicle Strategy, aims to set a pollution cap on vehicles released by automakers in Australia to encourage the import of more low-emission models.

With the introduction of these new vehicles and the growing support for fuel efficiency standards, Toyota is making strides towards reducing vehicle pollution and embracing sustainable technologies in the Australian market.

FutureCar Staff