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Toyota’s World-First Pickup Doesn’t Give Up on This One Controversial Powertrain

The all-electric Hilux debuts in Europe with more specs to share.

Front-side view of a dark gray Toyota Hilux BEV electric pickup truck with a charging cable plugged in.Toyota
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By Chris Chin

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In November of 2025, Toyota revealed the all-new ninth-gen Hilux and along with it, an all-electric version. Now, the automaker just unveiled the Euro-spec version and simultaneously, more detailed specifications.

While the introduction of a new generation of the world’s most iconic and popular midsize pickup truck is big news, the bigger news is with the BEV (battery-electric vehicle) variant.

In addition to being the world’s first mass-produced midsize pickup EV, it’s also proof that Toyota’s not giving up on the controversial powertrain tech.

Solid specs, but is it enough?

Black Toyota Hilux pickup truck tailgate with embossed TOYOTA lettering and 3.5 EV badge.
The world’s first-ever mass-produced midsize pickup may have mediocre specs, but there’s a reason.
Toyota

When Toyota revealed the Hilux BEV, key highlights included a dual-electric motor setup with a 59.2 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Engineers said the system could churn out around 350 lb-ft of torque, though they didn’t go much further into detail.

With the new Euro version out, Toyota confirms the Hilux BEV’s motors produce 151 lb-ft at the front motor and 198 lb-ft at the rear, for a total of around 349 lb-ft of torque.

Black Toyota Hilux BEV pickup truck viewed from above with an empty cargo bed and illuminated rear lights.
The Hilux BEV shows that Toyota isn’t giving up on electrification.
Toyota

The result is a driving range of up to 159 miles on the WLTP rating in off-road conditions. But the distance can increase to up to 236 miles in urban conditions.

It can still tow and haul. But its payload and towing capacities are less than the diesel-powered version, which is due to the heavy weight of the electric powertrain gear.

Interior of a Toyota vehicle featuring a black steering wheel with controls, digital dashboard, and a central touchscreen displaying a navigation map.
The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux benefits from a complete redesign, both inside and out.
Toyota

With the more conventional turbo-diesel engine, the Hilux is capable of hauling up to 2,205 pounds and towing up to 7,720 pounds.

But with BEV, it can only haul up to 1,580 pounds and tow up to 3,350 pounds.

Not really for regular truck owners

Dark gray Toyota Hilux BEV electric pickup truck charging with orange cable in a studio setting.
The Hilux BEV utilizes a 59.2 kWh battery pack, which can provide up to 236 miles of range on paved surfaces.
Toyota

Electric vehicles have recently dropped in both demand and desirability as their time on the market revealed many of their drawbacks. The hype around them dissipated so greatly that many automakers with aggressive electrification strategies pumped the brakes on their strategies.

However, some, like Toyota, are still looking to keep electric power around for those who still want it. And the Hilux BEV marks a major stepping stone for the segment. Even if it is very much a small niche.

Dark gray Toyota Hilux BEV pickup truck shown from rear side against a gradient sunset background.
According to Toyota, the Hilux BEV is capable of up to 159 miles on more treacherous terrain.
Toyota

While the specs are solid, they’re not shocking. For instance, many buyers, especially those who need to travel long distances, will find the Hilux BEV’s driving range underwhelming.

But according to Toyota, the Hilux BEV isn’t really aimed at private consumers who do a lot of driving. Rather, it’s meant for commercial and fleet uses with fixed travel routes.

In which case, the Hilux BEV may make a lot of sense.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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