Toyota Hilux Goes Electric!

At a conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Toyota unveiled two new electric concepts: the Hilux Revo BEV and the IMV0.

Toyota introduced the IMV0 concept and the Hilux Revo BEV concept in Bangkok. Developed to celebrate 60 years of Toyota in Thailand, these pickup truck concepts use the Hilux as a base. They aim to offer a greener alternative to traditional powertrains. No details about the alternative energy vehicle (IMV0) have been shared; both technologies could logically be used in the future on other models such as the Innova Crysta and the Fortuner. The IMV0 concept could utilize content derived from products like agricultural waste.

Pickups and Toyota: a love story that has lasted for 20 years

The electrification of the lineup was initiated by President Akio Toyoda. Chosen to lead the IMV project in 2002, the man behind the Hilux Vigo, the Innova, and the Fortuner, fought against all odds to design the truck properly and bring it to market on time. The task was arduous, but ultimately, he and the team in Thailand succeeded. The IMV platform “Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle” has ultimately produced over 7 million vehicles.

“I was quite young to hold such a position at the time, he says, and it just so happened that my family name is Toyoda. As you can imagine, many people in Japan bet on the project’s failure. The Vigo remains one of the most memorable highlights of my career, and it has shaped my leadership style the most. So, as a thank you, I decided to challenge our engineering and design teams to create a completely new IMV pickup for Thailand, something truly affordable and innovative.”

Carbon neutrality isn’t achieved solely through electrification

Toyota’s president also spoke about his love for cars, sustainability, and carbon neutrality. “As you may have understood, I don’t just love cars… I ADORE THEM!”, he declared to the audience. He then discussed future propulsion systems. “I am often criticized in the press because I don’t claim that the automotive industry should commit 100% to battery electric vehicles.”

According to Toyoda, electric vehicles are not the only way to achieve carbon neutrality. “Personally, I prefer to consider all options, not just one. Synthetic fuels with zero emissions, hydrogen, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, and full battery electric cars like our new bZ4X. We have introduced fuel cell vehicles (Toyota Mirai), and we are exploring hydrogen fuel for the GR-Yaris.” He also emphasized that changing habits must be a collective effort and include other industries beyond automotive.

Read also: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car: Is Toyota Right to Keep Persisting?