The Toyota HiLux could get its electric wings sooner than previously expected, though it might not be quite the drastic move we were expecting.
South African outlet CarMag.co.za reports that during a visit from one of the brand’s global VPs, its local VP for sales and marketing said electrified utes would be coming next year.
But while the expectation was that Toyota would draw on its extensive series parallel hybrid knowledge for the HiLux, as it has with most of its models, the HiLux looks to take on a much lighter form of electrification.
Leon Theron, Toyota South Africa Vice President for Sales and Marketing, told CarMag that the HiLux and Fortuner would go hybrid next year in the form of a mild hybrid – electrification that features a very small battery that’s almost always paired with a motor in the drivetrain incapable of propelling a vehicle on its own.
It means the current 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine will only need a light redevelopment if a mild-hybrid is to go ahead, with a likely 48-volt electric assistance system that will aim to increase the efficiency of the diesel engine.
While it sounds like Toyota might be taking the easy way out of its promise to electrify its line-up, it doesn’t rule out more significant hybridisation for the HiLux in the future, including possible use of the brand’s Hybrid MAX system, a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with twin electric motors which has in the past been rumoured for the next Toyota LandCruiser Prado.
Whenever the HiLux does get an electric update, it’s already guaranteed to come to Australia, according to Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley.
“It makes sense that the LandCruiser, the Prado, the HiLux and other commercial vehicles are going to have to adopt some sort of electrification as we get closer to that point,” Hanley has previously told CarsGuide.
“By 2030, Toyota globally plans to release 30 new EVs resulting in a comprehensive line-up of electric passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles with at least 3.5 million sales a year,” he said.
“In the same timeframe, we expect to have an electrified version of every model in our local range, excluding performance cars, and we will continue to evaluate all EVs for this market as they’re made available.”
Keyword: Mild, not wild: 2024 Toyota HiLux hybrid ute plans firm up, with electrification coming as soon as next year for Ford Ranger rival - report