Toyota Reveals Electric Pickup and Off Roader Concepts
Over the next eight years, Toyota plans to invest 35 billion in EVs, including a pickup and FJ Cruiser-like compact SUV.
While Toyota has been a leader in the hybrid segment for decades, and has tested some interesting concepts, the company has long been accused of dragging its feet in regard to the development of electric vehicles. But the times, they are a changing. Last month, we saw the reveal of the bZ4X EV, and this week, Akio Toyoda briefed the Japanese media on the global giant’s electric plans. At the event, 15 new vehicles were teased, including an electric pickup and what appears to be a tiny version of the FJ Cruiser.
Since the company had already confirmed that an electric pickup was in the works at Auto Shanghai, I wasn’t terribly surprised to see this Tacoma-adjacent rig on that stage. What did surprise me, however, was how production-ready it looked. While most concepts forgo uncool bits like mirrors and door handles, both of those elements are present on the Pickup EV concept. And generally? There’s nothing here that would appear wildly out of place on public roads tomorrow.
That’s equally true of the Compact Cruiser EV Concept. It looks for all the world like a mini version of the FJ Cruiser, and in an alternate reality where the FJ never left production, it’s easy to see it as Toyota’s equivalent of the Bronco Sport and Bronco. Unfortunately, there’s next to no info on either of these two vehicles, as the company was painting with a broad brush during the presentation. So we’ll have to wait for any info on the Compact Cruiser.
All told, the concepts on the stage in Japan will be part of a push to bring 30 battery electric vehicles — across both the Toyota and Lexus brands — to market by 2030. This is the vanguard of Toyota’s 35-billion dollar investment in the segment, and its highlights the fact that enthusiasts, off-road and otherwise, won’t be left out of the fun. Head over to ClubLexus for a deep dive into some of the luxury line’s forthcoming product, and stay tuned for news on these intriguing electric concepts!
Photos: Toyota / Noriaki Mitsubishi/ N-Rak Photo Agency