Toyota has unveiled its battery-electric Hilux pickup, built on the latest ninth-generation platform, but with a key caveat: while the company promises it will be “attainable,” it won’t be cheap. The electric Hilux is being strategically positioned for industrial use first, with limited immediate appeal for general consumers.
Initial Rollout Focused on Fleets
The Hilux BEV is confirmed for markets including Australia, where it’s slated to arrive in early 2026. However, Toyota’s initial sales efforts will target large fleets, particularly mining operations. This makes sense: electric drivetrains are ideal for underground work environments where emissions need to be minimized.
Pricing Expectations: Premium Over Diesel
Toyota Australia’s Sean Hanley has acknowledged the electric version will cost more than existing diesel Hilux models. Currently, diesel Hilux trims start at AU$65,990 ($42,800 USD). The BEV could easily add AU$15,000 ($9,700 USD) to that price, placing it at the higher end of the Hilux lineup.
Hanley emphasized that the goal is not mass sales. Toyota doesn’t intend to launch a vehicle priced out of reach for most buyers. The company aims for “attainability,” not extreme affordability.
“There’s no point putting it out there if it’s going to be a hundred grand… It’s got to be achievable.”
Limited Range, Targeted Performance
The Hilux BEV features a modest 59.2 kWh battery pack paired with dual electric motors generating 193 horsepower. This configuration delivers a range of just 149 miles (240 km). The limited range is not a drawback, though, because the vehicle is designed for controlled environments where charging infrastructure can be managed.
The Mining Focus: A Strategic Move
Toyota is transparent about the Hilux BEV’s primary purpose. The company doesn’t expect it to take the market by storm. Instead, it sees mining as the biggest opportunity. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly crucial for underground operations, where traditional combustion engines are impractical due to ventilation and emissions concerns.
There may be some crossover with tradespeople, but that is not the main goal. Toyota is making a calculated bet on a niche market where high initial costs are offset by operational benefits.
The Hilux BEV is an example of how automakers are testing electric technology in specific high-value sectors before broader consumer adoption. This approach allows for real-world testing, refinement, and gradual expansion into larger markets.
