You can’t buy it yet, but the indestructible Toyota Hilux has just released an electric version

If there is a pick-up known throughout the world, with a reputation built on reliability even in the worst conditions, that is the one. Toyota Hilux. It needs no introduction: it is one of the most universal cars, recognizable throughout the planet. And in a fairly remote corner of it, at least from our position, a very special electric Hilux is being tested.

Many will remember the mythical episode of Top Gear where the skull trio sets out to destroy a Hilux in hundreds of different ways and, after destroying it with blows, sinking it in the sea, setting it on fire… After all that, the Hilux managed to start . If she already had a reputation for being tough, that television episode made her indestructible.

From South America to Indonesia, passing through all the countries in Africa, the Hilux is a very popular pick-up. Also in Australiawhere Toyota and the mining company BHP have started testing the prototype of an electric Hilux in real conditions. Australia, by the way, is one of the countries where the most pick-ups are sold worldwide.

In this case, the tests of the electric double cab Hilux will be carried out in Port Hedlandin Western Australia, where BHP will use it in a variety of applications typically performed with diesel vehicles. Testing will begin at the end of November and will last approximately 12 months. Port Hedland is Australia’s largest iron ore loading port and one of the largest in the world.

According to Toyota’s Australian subsidiary, it is the first electric double cab Hilux of the world. It is worth specifying the fact that it is the first double cabin, since last year an electric version with a single cabin was presented, known as Hilux Revo BEV. The company also presented a prototype with a fuel cell, although that was a cabin and a half (Extended Cab).

“Toyota has long championed a multi-track approach to decarbonisation and when we do something we want to make sure we do it right,” said Matthew Callachor, president and CEO of Toyota Australia. “Partnering with BHP to help further develop this Hilux prototype is an important step in creating low-emission technologies in the light commercial vehicle space, particularly for use in harsh and demanding mining environments.”

BHP’s trial follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by the two companies in August 2023, with the stated aim of working together to drive decarbonisation measures across BHP’s Australian operations.

Toyota has not provided further details about the powertrain or the vehicle’s performance. We do not know the power of its electric motor, although we assume that the battery will have a capacity close to 71.4 kWh capacity. At least that was the capacity of the Hilux Revo BEV presented in May of this year.

“Our ambition to electrify our light vehicle fleet and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our operations is technology dependent and can only be achieved through collaborations like this,” said Geraldine Slattery, president of BHP Australia. The mining company has around 5,000 light vehicles across Australia.