Toyota Motor Thailand has announced plans to start mass production of the Toyota Hilux BEV in Thailand by the end of 2025.

Speaking to Reuters at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show, Mr. Noriaki Yamashita, President of Toyota Motor Thailand said "The Hilux (BEV) could be ready by the end of next year."

However, he did not reveal where the vehicle would be produced.

Also read: This is the all-electric Toyota Hilux Revo BEV Concept

Underscoring the company’s commitment, Yamashita added Toyota plans to deliver 12 Toyota Hilux BEVs to Pattaya next month, where they will begin public transportation trials in the popular tourist spot.

First revealed at Toyota Motor Thailand's 60th anniversary event in December 2022, the Hilux BEV Concept serves a detailed precursor of the future Hilux BEV.

The Hilux BEV Concept is a regular single-cab Hilux with a (4x2) EV powertrain featuring a single rear-axle motor. But the system can be upgraded to 4WD with an additional front drive motor.

Though there aren’t specifics on the battery size and power, the prototype offers 7 kW AC charging and over 100 kW DC fast charging capability. The claimed driving range is 300 km (NEDC-cycle.

Also read: Review: Trinity of carbon neutral options preview the next generation Toyota Hilux's menu; HEV, BEV, FCEV

The vehicle incorporates a shift-by-wire gear selector and an analogue charge level gauge, maintaining a balance between performance and load carrying. The interior favours analogue displays and large buttons suited for practical use.

The rear suspension has been adapted to fit the BEV's specifications, using a De Dion Tube setup while retaining leaf springs, resulting in improved handling and weight balance.

Also read: First look: Different from Europe, we drove the 2024 Toyota Hilux with 8AT, 48V mild-hybrid

This announcement follows Isuzu's recent announcement of a THB 32 billion (~RM 4.1 billion) investment in Thailand for battery cell manufacturing and production of its BEV pick-up truck.

Like Isuzu, beyond capitalising on Thailand’s booming EV market, Toyota’s strategy will also align with participation in Thailand's EV3.5 incentive scheme.

The latest phase of EV subsidy packages granted by the Thai Government comes into effect for 4 years, between now and 2027.

Under the EV 3.5 package, the Thai government will provide purchase subsidies for electric cars, pick-up trucks, and motorcycles based on vehicle type and battery capacities.

These include subsidies ranging between THB 50,000 (~RM 6.6k) and THB 100,000 (~RM 13.2k) for passenger cars under THB 2 million (~RM 265k) and THB 100,000 (~RM 13.2k) subsidies for locally-assembled (CKD) EV pick-up truck purchases. These incentives also include reductions in import duties (of up to 40% in 2024 and 2025) and excise tax (from 8% to 2%).

However, all companies must offset EV production domestically at a 1:2 CBU/CKD ratio by 2026 and 1:3 by 2027 to qualify.