Toyota's electric utility vehicle unveiled for Australian testing

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【Summary】Toyota has unveiled an electric ute, the HiLux Revo, designed for short journeys, which will be tested in Australia. The company also showcased a new generation of hybrid cars and utes with battery assistance technology. Toyota Australia sales vice-president, Sean Hanley, stated that the release of the HiLux Revo as a production model in Australia is unclear, but the company is optimistic about bringing such a vehicle to the market in the future.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 4:29 PM PT

Toyota's electric utility vehicle unveiled for Australian testing

Toyota showcased its new generation of hybrid cars and utes with battery assistance technology at an event in Melbourne this week. The event also featured the HiLux Revo concept vehicle, a two-wheel drive ute designed for short journeys. Toyota Australia sales vice-president Sean Hanley stated that the vehicle would be tested and evaluated in Australia, but its release as a production model was uncertain.

While Toyota has faced criticism for its lack of electric car launches, Hanley emphasized that the company is actively working on technologies to reduce vehicle pollution. He acknowledged the demand for a zero-emission, load-carrying, trailer-towing, remote area, off-road HiLux 4x4, but explained that such a vehicle is not currently feasible with 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. This is due to the local arm of Toyota waiting for a larger share of vehicles with upgraded specifications. Hanley announced that 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 with 48-Volt Technology. This technology utilizes a battery and small generator to reduce fuel consumption.

The event took place shortly after the Australian federal government revealed overwhelming support for the introduction of a fuel-efficiency standard. The standard aims to encourage the import of more low-emission vehicles into Australia. The release of submissions to the government's fuel-efficiency standard consultation demonstrated widespread support for the change.

Overall, Toyota's showcase highlighted its commitment to developing technologies that reduce vehicle pollution and meet the evolving demands of Australian drivers. While the release of certain models may be uncertain or delayed, the company remains optimistic about the future availability of electric and low-emission vehicles in the Australian market.