Think vans and immediately an image of the Toyota Hiace will pop into your mind. It’s just synonymous. With the world shifting towards electrification, it was only a matter of time before the HiAce received the same treatment and Toyota has now unveiled that under the Global HiAce BEV concept at the Japan Mobility Show.

Housed under van specialist subsidiary Toyota Auto Body together with all the other vans, the Global HiAce BEV is based on the global H300-series HiAce sold outside of Japan but not in Malaysia.

The electric concept is easily distinguished by its futuristic front façade comprising a closed-off grille, sleeker LED headlights and black turbofan-inspired wheel covers for aero efficiency. Out back, the regular H300’s swing-up door has been replaced with barn doors Being a dedicated cargo-hauler, there’s only a single seat to maximise space.

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Lonely as the driver may be, there’s a larger infotainment screen running updated software to brighten up the commute. There’s also a digital instrument cluster and a rotary-dial shifter that reminds us of the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV.

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That infotainment screen with the new software allows the Global HiAce BEV to improve delivery efficiency via connected technology as it optimises delivery routes and displays the loading location of the next package in line to be dropped off.

In terms of its footprint, the concept is based on the long-wheelbase version of the H300 HiAce. That sees it measuring up at 5,280 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, 1,990mm tall and a wheelbase of 3,210 mm.

Toyota claims it can swallow items up to 3.5 metres in length and the cargo area weighs in at 1,715 mm wide and 1,270 mm tall.

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While it’s an electric van, Toyota hasn’t divulged any specifics on the powertrain. Nonetheless, despite being a concept reports are claiming a production version could arrive as early as 2025. It could ride on the current H300 HiAce or even sit on its own dedicated platform like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

The electric light commercial van segment is teeming with company if the electric HiAce does come to fruition. Current peers include models from Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Ford and Maxus.