Green RestoMod: Electric Toyota Land Cruiser 70
An electric version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 might have more of future than you’d think.
While we haven’t hit the golden ago of electric restomods just yet, it’s safe to say the idea is catching on, and I’d bet we’re going to see major progress on that front in the next few years. Once a drop-in style kit becomes available — think a totally green version of the General’s Connect & Cruise package — there will be a huge increase in the number of collector machines which get an electric swap.
That said? This electric Land Cruiser 70 our friends at Motor Authority tipped us off to is about as close to a factory restomod as you can get.
Now as Toyota fans know, the company still produces the Land Cruiser 70 for a few select markets, where the rugged durability and epoch-spanning parts compatibility makes them excellent workhorses. That said, the same simplicity which makes them tough and easy to maintain also means that swapping the running gear is a relatively simple affair — and the example in these pics is all-electric.
Right now, it’s being tested in an Australian underground mine, and while it’s not a Highlander, it is actually the only one. As of yet, Toyota hasn’t released any specifics on exactly what the setup is here, what the charging times are, or what the range is.
But you don’t have to be an industry expert to imagine that a vehicle like this could prove crazy valuable across a width swath of industries, where pickups work hard but actually stay on the job site all day. And as far as mining goes, if you have to bring a truck underground, wouldn’t you rather it be zero-emission?
Given the platform it’s based on, there’s next-to-no chance a production version of this baby would ever make it to the States — at least in a way that would be meaningful for fans of the Land Cruiser 70. At this point, Toyota is still going forth about what to do about the current Land Cruiser, which while not as unevolved as this rig, is still a dinosaur in comparison to its competition.
Early last month, I posted about how the big beast was set to exit the domestic market, and there was no clear replacement lined up. Now, it seems like there might be some wiggle room regarding the tough truck’s future on our shores. Maybe a electric drivetrain is part of the plan? Regardless, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for developments, so stay tuned. And if you hear any rumors, make sure to hit me up!
Photos: Toyota