Here's everything we know so far about Toyota's first electric truck.
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Toyota confirmed it will build an electric pickup
Toyota
Toyota has confirmed an electric pickup is in development. The brand announced plans to offer a pickup truck with a BEV powertrain when it debuted the concept that became the bZ4X SUV in 2021. Toyota unveiled the Pickup EV concept later that year.
Will the first Toyota electric truck just be an electric Tacoma?
Tyler Duffy
That seems like the most probable route for Toyota to get to an electric truck in the near term. When Toyota showed the Pickup EV concept, our first thought was that it looked a lot like an electric, next-gen Tacoma. After seeing the all-new 2024 Tacoma, we can confirm the Pickup EV definitely looks like an EV version of the Tacoma.
The Australian outlet Drive found Japanese reports suggesting that the Compact Cruiser EV is delayed because Toyota is prioritizing getting the electric powertrain ready for the Tacoma in North America.
Or will Toyota build its first pickup on a dedicated EV platform?
Toyota
Toyota unveiled the EPU concept (seen here and at top) for the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. It's a "next-generation mid-size pickup truck" concept. It runs on a unibody, dedicated electric vehicle platform. Dimensionally, it has a longer wheelbase than the 2023 Tacoma but is shorter lengthwise and heightwise.
The EPU does have sort-of-off-road tires, and Toyota says it would have a versatile bed and be used in outdoor applications. This seems like more of a Ford Maverick competitor that could exist alongside an electric Tacoma (if it's coming to America at all). But it could also be Toyota's first electric truck if the brand opts not to build a Tacoma EV on the current platform.
Toyota's new electric truck should be off-road capable
Toyota
Electric pickups have shown themselves to be well-suited for off-roading. The battery weight gives them a low center of gravity, they offer a ton of instant torque for clearing obstacles, and you don't have a combustion engine burbling while you're trying to enjoy the great outdoors.
We would bet Toyota's color choice for the Pickup EV concept was not coincidental. White screams "TRD Pro" to Toyota truck enthusiasts. The truck has knobby off-road tires. And it does not feature the air dam present on more road-going 2024 Tacomas.
When will Toyota debut the production model of its new electric truck?
Toyota said it planned to bring electrification to its pickup lineup "in the near future" back in 2021, including both hybrid and BEV powertrains. We've already seen the hybrids with the Tundra and Tacoma. An EV truck would be the natural next step.
One factor that could delay the launch could be Toyota's battery technology. Current Toyota EVs have been hamstrung on range compared to competitors. And Toyota may need its next-gen batteries to adequately power a pickup for towing and hauling.