Toyota has once again sparked intrigue in the automotive world, offering a cryptic glimpse of a new electric pickup truck. The Japanese automaker, known for its methodical approach to electrification, subtly showcased this upcoming model during the unveiling of the all-new Toyota C-HR+, the Urban Cruiser, and the refreshed bZ4X. But what exactly is Toyota cooking up? Could this mystery truck take on rivals like the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning?
The silhouette teased at the event suggests a double-cab electric pickup, hinting at a fresh direction for Toyota’s EV strategy. This truck is unlikely to be the electric Hilux, which is already set for production in Thailand and Australia. That model, with its modest 120-mile range and limited power output, is more of a regional solution rather than a global contender. Instead, speculation points toward the production version of the EPU Concept, a compact electric pickup Toyota first revealed in 2023.
The EPU Concept was designed with lifestyle buyers in mind rather than hardcore work-truck enthusiasts. At 199.6 inches (5,070 mm) long, 75.2 inches (1,910 mm) wide, and 67.3 inches (1,710 mm) tall, with a 131.9-inch (3,350 mm) wheelbase, it falls into the midsize truck category. This positions it as a potential rival to the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz but with the added advantage of an all-electric powertrain. The concept also featured a dual-screen setup, a yoke-style steering wheel, and physical controls, though it’s unclear which of these elements will make it to the final production model.
Another possibility is an electric Tacoma. Toyota has been eyeing an EV version of its popular midsize truck for years, with an early prototype previewed in 2021. Given the Tacoma’s strong foothold in North America, an electrified version would make strategic sense. Toyota could equip it with the same advanced electric motors found in the newly revealed C-HR+, which delivers up to 338 horsepower in its most potent configuration. Such a powertrain could place Toyota’s electric pickup on par with its competitors in terms of performance.
Despite arriving late to the EV party, Toyota has signaled a renewed focus on electrification. Its first dedicated EV, the bZ4X, launched in 2022, was met with a lukewarm reception, but the company is determined to refine its electric lineup. With the recent debut of three new EVs aimed at the European market, Toyota is clearly making moves to broaden its footprint. However, an electric pickup truck would likely be targeted more toward North America, where demand for such vehicles is surging.
The lack of technical details surrounding Toyota’s mystery truck has only fueled speculation. It remains to be seen whether the model will be based on Toyota’s existing platforms or if the company will introduce a new architecture designed specifically for electric pickups. Whatever the case, Toyota Motor Europe’s president, Yoshihiro Nakata, emphasized that the brand’s upcoming EVs aim to enhance customers’ lifestyles while pushing forward its carbon neutrality goals.
One thing is clear: Toyota is serious about entering the electric truck space. Whether it’s a Tacoma EV or a production-ready EPU, the company’s upcoming electric pickup is bound to shake up the market. With an expected launch date of 2026 or later, Toyota still has time to refine its offering and ensure it competes with established players. For now, all eyes are on the Japanese automaker as it prepares to pull the curtain back on its highly anticipated electric truck.
