At the launch of the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, the Japanese carmaker unveiled the pickup with a traditional turbodiesel option and a surprising fully electric powerplant. Oddly, there was no self-charging or plug-in hybrid configuration, but Toyota has not completely disregarded the possibility of one.
Specifically, a report from CarExpert.com.au shared that a plug-in hybrid Hilux is bound to happen. In the article, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, was quoted, saying: “While I think plug-in hybrids are a technology of the future—there’s no doubt in the fullness of time we’ll probably bring that suite to Hilux...”
He further explains that current market demands point toward turbodiesel and fully electric options, hence those taking priority in this all-new Hilux.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Mitsubishi Destinator introductory prices will start at P1.289-M
Opinion: Toyota could’ve done so much better with the all-new Hilux’s design
The folks at Ford and BYD may beg to differ, as they have released plug-in pickups in the past year. While it is unclear just how many plug-in hybrid Rangers were shifted in the last months, BYD has sold over 1,000 Shark 6 DM-o units. The outgoing Hilux is still the top-selling pickup—or ute—in Australia, but the standard Ranger isn’t too far behind.
Back in the Philippines, hybrid pickups are slowly gaining momentum, courtesy of new Chinese car brands. Changan has its Nevo Hunter K50 REEV, Radar has just made its local debut, and BYD continues to promote the Shark 6. We have yet to see any electrified pickup offerings from legacy brands, but the fully electric Hilux could get that ball rolling. And perhaps Isuzu will follow shortly.
