Joining the newly launched ninth-generation Hilux range, the Hilux BEV has been designed to reduce the tailpipe emissions while retaining the signature quality, durability and reliability inherent in Toyota vehicles.
Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer, Andrew Davis, said the arrival of the Hilux BEV marked a significant milestone and strategic addition to Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.
“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,” said Davis.
“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.”
He added that 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 200 km.
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 and holds its own on rugged terrain too.
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, where charging would take place at the base or farmyard. The lack of emissions and very little noise are other advantages of working with livestock or in orchards.
The battery-electric Hilux is being launched in New Zealand exclusively as a double-cab, with either a cab chassis or wellside body, 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 siblings are so familiar with, Toyota conducted a comprehensive, 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 put to the test against its diesel cousin in challenging off-road situations and did not miss a beat.
Davis added that the Hilux BEV gives organisations more options to match the right powertrain to the right role. Diesel remained 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 comprising a newly developed 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a dual-motor All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, delivering strong, 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 drive modes to suit the conditions underfoot, adjusting 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.
Driving range for the cab chassis variant is rated at 245km on the NEDC cycle, while the wellside variants are rated at 315km.
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 that accommodates the rear electric motor while retaining the Hilux's live axle.
Ventilated disc brakes provide strong stopping power and regenerative braking, available 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 a maximum of 2,000kg braked and 750kg unbraked.
Hilux BEV grades feature a similar level of specification to their diesel-powered counterparts and are identified externally by their 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 for the Hilux BEV: Glacier White and Ash. Both wellside variants feature the A-deck layout with four tie-down hooks, tailgate assist, and a 275 kg-rated side-deck step.
Toyota’s first-ever battery electric Hilux, the Hilux BEV, will be available for Kiwi customers to pre-order towards the end of May.
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