Toyota’s first-ever battery electric Hilux, the Hilux BEV, will be available for Kiwi customers to pre-order towards the end of May.

Joining the newly launched ninth-generation Hilux range, the breakthrough Hilux BEV has been designed to reduce the tailpipe emissions of fleets or private buyers while retaining the signature quality, durability and reliability inherent in Toyota vehicles.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer, Andrew Davis, says the arrival of the Hilux BEV marks a significant milestone and strategic addition to Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.

“Offering both Kiwi businesses and private buyers the choice of a Hilux with zero tailpipe emissions is a crucial step forward in providing consumers the right powertrain for the right application, at the right time,” Andrew Davis says.

“This is an exciting time for Toyota; bringing in a fully electrified version of the much-loved Hilux finally gives businesses and fleets the option of low-emission motoring, supported by Toyota’s genuine parts and accessories programme, and our unrivalled servicing network.”

“Critically, we have been able to secure both the wellside and Cab Chassis variant of the Battery Electric Hilux giving customers the flexibility to customise, as they would any other Hilux powertrain in our range, to suit their needs.”

“Private buyers looking to make the switch to an electric ute will now have the backing and confidence of Toyota build quality, service options and Toyota Genuine Accessories.”

Andrew Davis says the Hilux BEV would be ideal for everyday operational roles and for predictable routes. It would also work best where charging is easily accessible and daily travel distances are less than 200kms.

“From patrolling airport runways, moving equipment around a vineyard or orchard, to regional highway inspections, the Hilux BEV would fit seamlessly into many working environments. But don’t underestimate its capability – it certainly holds its own on rugged terrain too,” he says.

The zero-emissions EV ute would work well for infrastructure and construction companies, farmers, horticulturists, trades, eco-tourism operators and local government contractors operating within defined areas and where charging would take place back at the base or farmyard. The lack of emissions and very little noise is another advantage for working with livestock or in orchards.

The battery electric Hilux is being launched in New Zealand exclusively with the double-cab body matched to either a cab chassis or wellside, with a dual-motor AWD powertrain, and in mid-spec SR or premium SR5 guise.

To ensure the Hilux BEV can tackle many of the New Zealand environments that both its diesel and diesel Hybrid-powered sibling is so familiar with, Toyota conducted a comprehensive and sustained testing programme in collaboration with leading Australian mining fleets.

These vehicles have been trialled extensively in real‑world, high‑demand environments, from hot temperature remote outback operations to off‑road terrains, providing Toyota with robust insights into performance, durability, and capability.

Since arriving in New Zealand, the Hilux BEV has also been stood up against its diesel cousin in challenging off-road situations and did not miss a beat.

Andrew Davis says the Hilux BEV gives organisations more options to match the right powertrain to the right role. Diesel remains essential for heavy-duty tasks such as carrying a high payload and towing, while the Hilux BEV suits roles with different demands. The Hilux BEV fills an important gap, offering ute size, space and comfort with zero emissions where it makes sense.

Hilux BEV is underpinned by a battery-electric powertrain consisting of a newly developed 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, providing strong and tractable driving performance.

The dual-motor AWD system produces a combined system output of 144kW, with torque distribution variably controlled between the front and rear axles during on-road driving to provide high-traction full-time AWD.

For off-roading, Toyota’s sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes to suit the conditions underfoot, adjusting the amount of wheel slip to keep the vehicle moving in low-traction situations. It maintains the same wading depth of 700mm as the standard Hilux.

The 59.2kWh battery offers DC charging capability, which can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes. The 10kW three-phase AC charging capacity can take the battery from 10 to 100 percent charge in approximately 5.5 hours.1

Driving range for the cab chassis variant is rated at 245km on the NEDC cycle, while the wellside variants are rated at 315km.2

To accommodate the battery-electric powertrain, the Hilux BEV features its own, uniquely developed suspension system with frame reinforcements, beefed-up MacPherson strut front suspension and a De-dion rear leaf spring setup which accommodates the rear electric motor while retaining the live axle setup of the Hilux.

Ventilated disc brakes provide strong stopping power and energy recuperation via regenerative braking, offered across the Hilux BEV range.

Towing has always been a prime consideration for ute owners. A Hilux BEV, fitted with a Toyota Genuine Accessories towbar, can tow maximum 2,000kg braked and 750kg unbraked.

Hilux BEV grades feature a similar level of specification compared to their diesel-powered counterparts and is identified from the outside by its closed-off upper front grille and aerodynamically enhanced 17-inch alloy wheels.

A full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety features includes Pre-Collision System with motorcycle detection, Intersection Collision Avoidance, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beam and Lane Tracing Assist. The SR Wellside and SR5 add safety features such as a higher definition Panoramic View Monitor, four front and rear sensors and Parking Support Brake.

Two exterior paint colours will be available on the Hilux BEV, consisting of Glacier White and Ash. Both wellside variants feature the A-deck layout with four tie-down hooks, tailgate assist and 275kg-rated side deck step.

Pricing will be announced later this month.

¹ Charging times are indicative and may vary depending on environmental and charging conditions, type of charger and method used. Actual charging times may differ. Frequent use of DC Fast Charging can impact battery performance and durability. Toyota recommends minimising DC Fast Charging usage. DC fast charging speed will reduce after the battery is charged to 80%.

² Results were achieved under test conditions and do not reflect the driving range in real world driving. Results achieved for battery electric Hilux SR automatic is based on consumption rate of 202wh/km using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) laboratory test combined drive cycle mandated by the ADR 81/02 (displayed on the Energy Consumption label affixed to the car). The electric range and the energy consumption values were determined using a fully charged battery in a laboratory test and are not reflective of real-world driving. Actual driving range may vary depending on accessories fitted, battery age and condition, climate, driving style, use of heating/cooling, traffic conditions, and vehicle load.