Of the dozens of EV concepts Toyota unveiled Tuesday, two emphasize ruggedness and off-road capability. The Compact Cruiser EV and Toyota Pickup EV preview two possibilities for 30 electric vehicle models that Toyota plans to launch by 2030.
Of the 15 concepts introduced on Tuesday – most of which are limited production, according to Toyota – these two trucks are likely to evoke nostalgia and enthusiasm from aficionados of Toyota trucks in the United States. Ky.
The Compact Cruiser EV is an electric SUV whose styling is reminiscent of the Toyota FJ Cruiser, a hit classic off-road vehicle from the early 2000s envisioned as a revival of the classic FJ40 series Toyota Land Cruiser.
The overall shape of the Compact Cruiser EV is quite close to that of the FJ Cruiser, but the concept ditches the FJ’s round headlights and features a conventional four-door for added practicality. As the name suggests, the Compact Cruiser EV also appears authentic, well, compact. That will make it easier for you to move on off-road roads than the old FJ Cruiser.
Toyota Pickup EV
The Toyota Pickup EV concept has styling that’s reminiscent of the current Toyota Tacoma midsize truck and seems pretty close to that model in terms of size. Toyota hasn’t revealed powertrain details of the Pickup EV or Compact Cruiser EV concepts, so styling is all we have to go on for now.
An electric pickup truck in particular seems like a logical addition to Toyota’s lineup. Toyota may have seen the enthusiasm behind Rivian R1T and R1S, the GMC Hummer EV, the Ford F-150 Lightningand Tesla Cybertruck and might want to do some part of the action.
Toyota has also made small strides towards electrified off-road vehicles.
2022 Toyota Tundra
It set a big precedent with the RAV4 Prime, which is actually better in some off-road situations. in its EV Mode, with the gasoline engine still off.
Toyota revealed its first hybrid truck this year, but not in the way many Toyota customers might have anticipated. It’s a variant of the large Tundra pickup that seems to emphasize power and towing over mpg.
Toyota has a plan hybrid battery production in the US, and that will “pave the way” for US-made electric cars potentially by the end of the decade. Could those models be trucks?
