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Toyota is not planning to roll out a Hilux PHEV anytime soon.
The PHEV powertrain would compromise towing and payload.
The Ford Ranger and Chinese rivals already offer PHEV options.
While Chinese automakers reel in buyers with their plug-in hybrid trucks, Toyota is charting a different course. The automotive giant reckons plug-in powertrain technology is not ready for the heavy-duty grind of the pickup segment, so it is sticking with more traditional solutions for now.
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The Toyota Hilux entered a new generation last year with diesel, mild-hybrid, and fully electric variants, and an FCEV is due to join the range in 2028. That sets it apart from the rival Ford Ranger, which already comes with a PHEV powertrain in markets outside North America, alongside its non-electrified diesel and gasoline options.
More: Ford’s Ranger Super Duty Forced Toyota’s Hand And The Hilux Answered. Sort Of
Other plug-in hybrid midsize pickups include the BYD Shark 6, the GWM Cannon Alpha, the Nissan Frontier Pro, as well as the upcoming Chery Stockman from China. Toyota has deep expertise in hybrids and PHEVs, yet it has no interest in bringing the technology to its best-selling truck, at least in its current state.
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The Australian-spec Toyota Hilux BEV.
Ray Munday, Toyota Australia senior manager of product planning and pricing, spoke to local media CarExpert about the potential of a Hilux PHEV.
“We definitely recognize that there’s some strong competition in that area, and we are looking into it, but until the technology is ready, we’re not going to release something that’s rushed. At the moment, typically the challenge with PHEV or any electrification is added mass, which reduces payload and then also the ability to tow. The systems aren’t necessarily developed at the moment to be able to meet our standards of what heavy towing means for a HiLux customer.”
“The expectation of the Toyota and HiLux brand is very high, probably higher than it is on other products,” he added.” We really respect that, and that adds a challenge.”
The Hilux fitted with optional accessories.
In other words, Toyota is worried that a Hilux PHEV could not match the 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) towing capacity and 1-tonne (2,205 lbs) payload of its diesel counterpart, at least in real-world use. Consider that the dual-motor Hilux BEV carries a towing rating of just 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs), which all but confirms the automaker’s fears.
More: Toyota’s Electric Hilux Costs $20K More Than The Diesel, And That’s Not Even The Worst Part
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As a result, Toyota’s future PHEV plans will remain focused on its passenger cars and SUVs , at least until the technology matures enough for heavy-duty applications. In a similar context, John Pappas, vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations at Toyota Australia, said:
“We’re always looking at these types of powertrain solutions, we’re not just sitting back, but they need to be able to meet the needs of the customer. We’ve got those lifestyle ute options available now in other HiLux grades, but we want to be able to make sure that if we’re going to bring these types of powertrains to market through our very large investment in research and development, that they’re right for our market.”
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The Toyota Hilux with a mild-hybrid diesel powertrain.
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