While Toyota admittedly didn’t want to rush into building electric trucks, the brand was expected to keep up. After learning about the Toyota Hilux EV, it’s clear that the American automakers are ahead of the curve. However, the electric Hilux isn’t designed for the United States. 

The first electric Toyota Truck won’t make Americans jealous 

For decades, Americans have been jealous of the Toyota Hilux. It’s the most durable truck in the world with turbo diesel and gas engines. However, Americans still get the Toyota Tacoma, and it serves as the best-selling mid-size truck. 

Now the first electric Toyota truck has officially debuted and not selling it in the United States feels like a smart move. 

First of all, the Toyota Hilux EV only has 150 miles of range. That’s not enough to comfort our range anxiety. Plus, the Rivian R1T offers up to 420 miles of range. Plus, it only provides 193 hp and 349 lb-ft of torque. 

That’s plenty of torque, but the R1T offers up to 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. The Hilux BEV can tow up to 3,527 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,567 lbs. Meanwhile, the R1T can tow up to 11,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,764 lbs. 

Europeans don’t need as much truck or power as American drivers do. However, I won’t be surprised if those in foreign markets go for the Hilux’s hybrid ideal powertrain with 201 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque instead. The 2.7-liter gas engine is also still available. 

Also, I’m using the Rivian R1T as a comparison because it’s a mid-size option, like the Hilux. It feels like Toyota has made the correct choice in developing hybrid engines instead of EVs. Plus, it’s still sticking to hydrogen as a potential way forward.