Toyota has announced that it will be conducting a test of its electric pickups as taxis in Thailand. This move is aimed at exploring the feasibility of using electric vehicles as taxis in the country. The test will involve a small fleet of electric pickups that will be used to transport passengers in and around Bangkok. Toyota is hoping that the test will help it to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with using electric vehicles as taxis in Thailand. This move is part of Toyota's broader efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles in the region and to reduce carbon emissions. The company is committed to developing sustainable transportation solutions that can help to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
Toyota is set to trial a small number of electric pickups in the city of Pattaya, Thailand in early 2024. While the automaker has showcased several EV concepts in recent years, its showrooms are in need of more electric vehicles. At present, Toyota only offers a handful of battery-electric vehicles globally, including the bZ4X SUV, the China-exclusive bZ3 sedan, and the Lexus RZ and UX 300e. However, a fifth production Toyota EV is set to be added to this list, albeit only in Thailand and in limited numbers: an all-electric pickup truck.
Toyota's Trial in Thailand
With pickup trucks accounting for nearly half of all vehicle sales in Thailand, Toyota is keen to adapt its electric pickups to local conditions. To this end, a small batch of battery-electric pickups will be deployed as taxis in Pattaya as part of the trial. Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing, has stated that the company is also considering testing other EV pickups for last-mile delivery services.
Potential Electric Pickup Models for the Trial
While it is not yet clear which EV pickup will be trialed in Thailand, there are at least two possibilities. The first is the Hilux Revo BEV Concept, which was unveiled in Thailand last year, although Toyota has not yet announced when commercial sales of this model will begin. The second possibility is the IMV 0 concept, which debuted at the same event and was also on display at the Japan Mobility Show last month. While the IMV 0 appears to be powered by internal combustion, it could potentially be adapted with batteries.
Competing with Chinese Rivals
Selling an electric Hilux and/or IMV in Thailand would enable Toyota to compete with Chinese rivals in the Southeast Asian market.
Toyota's Global EV Expansion
The bZ4X was launched in Thailand last year but has so far been outperformed by rivals from BYD and Great Wall Motor.
While the Hilux Revo is unlikely to make it to the US market due to its ICE-powered counterpart not being sold in North America, Toyota recently showcased the production-ready EPU Concept at the Japan Mobility Show. A production model based on this study could potentially rival the Ford Maverick.
Summary
Toyota's decision to trial electric pickups in Thailand is a smart move given the popularity of pickup trucks in that market. It remains to be seen which model will be trialed and how successful it will be, but it is clear that Toyota is committed to expanding its EV offerings globally.
(This article is sourced from insideevs.com and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
