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Report: Toyota to test electric pickup trucks as taxis in Thailand in the near future

The city of Pattaya is Toyota’s chosen testing ground for its electric pickup taxis.

Jerome Tresvalles on Nov 09, 2023

Back in 2022, Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) introduced the Hilux Revo BEV concept to the world. This unveiling coincided with TMT's 60th anniversary, and the electric pickup concept was showcased as a glimpse into the automaker's upcoming offerings. It represents Toyota's commitment to introducing a zero-emissions utility vehicle in the near future.

Currently, the automaker's global lineup of battery-electric vehicles is quite limited, comprising only the bZ4X SUV, the China-exclusive bZ3 sedan, and the RZ and UX 300e from the Lexus brand. This upcoming battery-electric Hilux might be the next one to join the group, however, Thailand is the only country to get it, hopefully, just for the moment.

Related: Toyota launches the 2024 Crown Sedan in Japan

The automaker has announced plans to start a trial of its new electric vehicle in Thailand, a market where pickup trucks constitute nearly half of total vehicle sales. Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing, shared with Reuters that engineers are actively modifying Toyota's electric pickups to suit local conditions. Ganesh revealed that a limited number of battery-electric pickups will be introduced as taxis in the city of Pattaya by early 2024.

While Toyota did not explicitly confirm that the Toyota Hilux BEV concept will be the exact vehicle used for the taxi trial, another truck may be the vehicle Toyota chooses to fit the role. The second choice for Toyota’s electric might be based on the upcoming IMV-0-derived truck, set to be unveiled soon and known as the Hilux Champ in Thailand.

The IMV-0 has been characterized as a fresh addition to the IMV modular light commercial pickup lineup designed specifically for Thailand, emphasizing affordability and innovation. Toyota has indicated that the production version is still "over a year away." However, with recent sightings of a road-ready version of the Hilux Champ reported in Thailand and Indonesia, it might be closer than Toyota lets on. While the initial indications suggest an internal combustion engine, there's also speculation about the potential for adaptation with batteries, opening the door to electric power possibilities.

Though Toyota's reason for testing an electric pickup as a taxi in Thailand remains uncertain, it could be a sign of the automaker's active involvement in building a zero-emissions workhorse to compete with other brands in the market.

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