Will we get an EV Hilux? Apparently, it's a possibility

Will we get an EV Hilux? Apparently, it's a possibility

With the news of PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles) bakkies arriving in SA, at least with Ford's announcement that it's expanding its local portfolio, it's clear that the electric future for bakkies is fast approaching.

The question that is becoming more apparent is, ‘will we see full electric bakkies in the near future?’ Toyota expressed the possibility of such a vehicle two years ago with a concept EV Hilux named the Hilux Revo BEV, and the news has just been released that this product is still under investigation for potential production.

Numerous aspects are being taken into account as Toyota works towards becoming carbon neutral. Although many consider hydrogen fuel cells the future, safe packaging and implementation methods remain under development. However, Toyota's hydrogen-powered Hilux prototype shows that development efforts are being undertaken, even though it is still quite a ways away from production. However, this gives the electric Hilux room to occupy the area in the meantime.

So the spotlight remains on the Hilux Revo BEV, Toyota's answer to the future of bakkie electrification. With the announcement of the 48-volt mild-hybrid Hilux entering production, Emmanuel Beaune, Toyota Motor Europe’s light commercial vehicles division head, simply stated to TopGear UK that "it's too early to comment on an electric Hilux. There are some investigations, but I cannot say more."

Investigations into the viability of the electric Hilux are likely yes, but the big question is: how would such a system cope in South Africa, a country where a Hilux is considered both a fashion statement and a workhorse?

It's hard to imagine a bakkie application for an EV that fully satisfies the three qualities that the Hilux was built on: dependability, peace of mind, and rugged capability. Despite our load-shedding battle and questionable infrastructure, EV Bakkies would prove to be rather undesirable, considering that bakkies are the backbone of many businesses and farming efforts.

The thought of halting farm work or business due to the need for recharging will pose an issue, and due to our unreliable power grid, the anxiety that will develop around business efficiency will force potential buyers to either stick with the reliable ICE routes or opt for a more efficient hybrid model at best.

There are a number of factors to take into account in addition to range anxiety, such as load capacity given the increased weight of EVs and the degree to which factors like towing will impact range.

While this news of an electric Hilux does come with a measure of excitement, the development of this Hilux is far from complete. The same can be said for South Africa, as we still have a lot of work to do to accommodate an EV shift in our motoring workforce, infrastructure, and collective mindsets.