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Toyota’s “Unbreakable” Hilux Goes Electric With A Tiny Battery

Carr.pk
Carr.pk
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Toyota’s “Unbreakable” Hilux Goes Electric With A Tiny Battery - Carr.pk

The “unbreakable” legend just went electric, but the 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery fails offer enough range. 

Toyota has officially unveiled the Euro-spec 9th-generation Hilux, and while the move to zero emissions is a massive milestone for the world’s favorite pickup, a long-haul trip may be unlikely.

The range figures are out, and they aren’t exactly what we expected from a nameplate built on “limitless” capability.

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TL;DR – The Quick Recap

  • The Big News: Toyota debuted the 2026 Hilux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) at the Brussels Motor Show.
  • The Range: It offers an estimated 240 km (WLTP) on a full charge, which is significantly lower than competitors.
  • Power: 59.2 kWh battery with dual motors (Permanent AWD).
  • The Verdict: Built for city fleets and short commutes, not for heavy-duty off-roading or long-distance hauling.

The “Range Anxiety” is Real

The most talked-about point about the new Hilux BEV isn’t its looks; it’s the battery. Toyota has opted for a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. For a heavy vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick, that’s quite small.

Official WLTP data suggests a combined range of 240 km (roughly 150 miles). In real-world conditions, especially if you have a couple of cement bags in the back or the AC running on high, that number could easily drop to sub-200 km.

Compared to the BYD Shark PHEV, the Hilux BEV seems strictly aimed at “last-mile” urban deliveries rather than the rugged lifestyle the Hilux is known for in Pakistan.

Power and Performance: Electric but Tame

Don’t expect the 500 Nm of torque you get in the current 2.8L Revo Rocco. The Hilux BEV features dual “eAxles” providing permanent all-wheel drive:

  • Front Motor: 205 Nm torque
  • Rear Motor: 268 Nm torque
  • Wading Depth: Still a respectable 700 mm (the same as the diesel).

While it retains its body-on-frame “toughness,” the payload has been slashed to 715 kg and towing is limited to 1.6 tonnes. For context, the standard Hilux we see on our roads can tow up to 3.5 tonnes.

The Hybrid and Hydrogen Alternatives

Toyota knows the BEV isn’t for everyone. That’s why they are pushing a Multi-Path Strategy:

Hilux Hybrid 48V: A 2.8L turbodiesel with a mild-hybrid system. This will be the “volume seller,” maintaining the 1-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

Hilux FCEV (Hydrogen): Confirmed for 2028, this version will use fuel cells (like the Toyota Mirai) to offer long range and 5-minute refueling times.

Will it Come to Pakistan?

While IMC (Indus Motor Company) is currently focused on the Cross Hybrid, an all-electric Hilux in Pakistan seems unlikely in the near future. Our infrastructure and the way we use Hiluxes, often for cross-country trips and heavy loading, make a 240 km range a very hard sell. 

However, the Hybrid 48V variant could be a strong candidate for a local launch to rival the upcoming electric competition. Stay tuned to PakWheels Blogs for more updates and information. 

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