Toyota's new electric 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 company also introduced 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 offerings, Hanley emphasized that the company is actively working on technologies to reduce vehicle pollution. He mentioned that many Australian drivers are waiting for a zero-emission, load-carrying, trailer-towing, remote area, off-road HiLux 4x4. However, achieving this with electric vehicle technology is currently not possible and may require hydrogen fuel-cells.

Toyota's first electric vehicle, the bZ4X SUV, was scheduled to be launched this year in Australia. However, its release will be delayed by several months as the local arm of Toyota waits for a larger share of vehicles with upgraded specifications. Hanley explained that the decision was made to ensure dealers have a reasonable level of stock, with the first cars expected to roll out of showrooms in February 2024. Toyota aims to deliver several thousand cars in 2024.

Aside from the HiLux Revo and bZ4X, Toyota also showcased second-generation C-HR SUV hybrids expected 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 display of these vehicles coincided with the federal government's release of submissions to its fuel-efficiency standard consultation, which received widespread support for the proposed changes. The standard, recommended in the government's National Electric Vehicle Strategy, aims to set a pollution cap on vehicles released in Australia to encourage the import of more low-emission models.

In conclusion, Toyota's showcase event in Melbourne unveiled its new hybrid cars and utes with battery assistance technology. The company also introduced the HiLux Revo concept vehicle designed for short journeys. While Toyota is actively working on reducing vehicle pollution, the release of the HiLux Revo as a production model remains uncertain. The launch of Toyota's first electric vehicle, the bZ4X SUV, will be delayed by several months. Other vehicles showcased included second-generation C-HR SUV hybrids and early versions of a HiLux ute and LandCruiser Prado with 48-Volt Technology. The federal government's fuel-efficiency standard consultation received widespread support for the proposed changes.

FutureCar Staff