In order to extend the life of the supposedly unbreakable Toyota Hilux and ensure its continued relevance in an all-electric future, Toyota's trading subsidiary Toyota Tsusho has unveiled a unique prototype conversion package that replaces the pickup's oil-burning engine with an electrical motor.

The Toyota Tsusho prototype, which debuted at the current Idemitsu Super Endurance Southeast Asia Trophy 2023 in Buriram, Thailand, replaces the internal combustion engine and transmission of a standard seventh-generation Hilux 4x2 variation with a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels (4x2).





The package will eventually use SVOLT batteries made in Thailand, but for now, the prototype uses a 41.5 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery that was supplied from China.By installing the battery on the ladder-frame chassis, which is positioned in the middle, extra care has been taken to preserve the weight and distribution of the vehicle as a whole.

According to WLTC specifications, the battery is supposed to provide a 245 km total driving range; however, in practice, this is more likely to be closer to 200 km given how Thai people typically utilize their Hilux with loaded freight. With a DC charger, the battery can be recharged at 40 kW or at 7 kW (AC).






The Hilux EV prototype uses electric power steering (EPS) in other places, but in order to save costs and preserve as many original parts as possible, the brakes are still powered by a normal hydraulic system.

According to Toyota Tsusho, first- and last-mile delivery fleet clients are the primary target market for the Hilux EV conversion kit.




More than just a responsible approach to prolong the life of old cars, providing a 20-year-old Toyota Hilux with a fresh lease of life is recycling at its finest. Furthermore, it lessens the requirement for extracting additional valuable natural resources from the planet.
As of right moment, the Hilux EV conversion package is still in the prototype stage, therefore its market availability and conversion pricing have not been confirmed.