Toyota is set to capitalise on growing diesel fuel fears with the launch of its first electric HiLux, as Aussies grapple with rising fuel costs.
The double‑cab, dual‑motor AWD HiLux BEV, due in the second quarter of 2026, is priced from $74,990 plus on‑road costs, a significant premium over its diesel counterpart, which typically starts in the mid-$50,000 range.
That price gap is one of the main reasons electric utes haven’t taken off in Australia. For instance, the two-wheel-drive LDV eT60, priced close to $100,000 at launch, recorded weak sales, while imported Ford F-150 Lightning conversions have pushed well beyond $200,000.
The HiLux BEV comes at a reasonable price, and will be offered in two grades: SR and SR5.
The HiLux BEV is underpinned by a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery producing a combined system output of 144kW and 468Nm.
The front motor is rated at 82kW/206Nm, with a 129kW/269Nm unit at the rear, and torque distribution is variably managed across both axles for full‑time AWD.
Toyota Australia said the driving range is still to be finalised, but is anticipated to be up to 315km on the NEDC cycle.
The HiLux BEV supports both AC and DC charging, with 150kW CCS2 DC fast charging capable of a 10-80 per cent top‑up in around 30 minutes, and 10kW three‑phase AC charging taking roughly 6.5 hours for 10-100 per cent.
Its arrival couldn’t come at a better time as industries heavily reliant on diesel, including mining, construction and government fleets, face uncertainty over fuel availability.
Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations said the BEV’s arrival is part of Toyota’s “multi pathway” approach to electrification.
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“Offering Australian customers 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,” Mr Pappas said.
Toyota Australia said the HiLux BEV has undergone more than 21,000 kilometres of local testing, including trials on mine sites in extreme heat and off-road conditions.
“Toyota has already been testing the HiLux BEV for months on mine sites in temperatures nearing 50°C, ensuring the performance of this new powertrain matches the tried‑and‑tested HiLux diesel,” Mr Pappas said.
Toyota explained the vehicle is intended for back-to-back operations, where fleets can return to a central depot and can charge overnight using grid power, generators or on-site renewable energy systems.
The HiLux BEV rides on a modified platform with reinforced chassis components, MacPherson strut front suspension and a De Dion rear leaf-spring setup designed to retain load-carrying capability.
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Toyota has confirmed a braked towing capacity of 2000kg.
Inside, both variants feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The SR includes fabric upholstery, all‑weather floor mats, a urethane steering wheel, a four‑speaker audio system and a 1500W inverter capable of powering small appliances and tools.
The SR5 adds leather‑accented trim, heated front seats with powered driver’s adjustment and two‑way lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, carpeted floor, an electrochromatic rear‑view mirror, wireless phone charging and an upgraded eight‑speaker audio system.
Toyota expects initial volumes to be limited, forecasting approximately 500 HiLux BEV sales in 2026 as fleet operators begin to integrate electric vehicles into their existing operations.
“This is an exciting time for Toyota, bringing in an electric version of the much-loved HiLux pick-up finally gives businesses and fleets the option of low-emission motoring mixed with Toyota’s extensive parts and servicing network,” Mr Pappas said.
The HiLux BEV goes on sale in Q2 2026, with showroom arrivals from the second quarter.
