2026 Toyota HiLux EV confirmed: Battery electric workhorse set to join diesel ute in next-gen line-up. Australian launch appears certain

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025 John Mahoney 13420 Views 0 Comments hilux ev, Toyota, Toyota HiLux EV

Toyota has accidentally confirmed again that a battery-powered version of the next-gen 2026 Toyota HiLux will arrive on sale globally next year after a slide from a presentation was leaked by Malaysian media and posted on Instagram.

The slide details some of the products that will launch in the next 12 months and shows two silhouettes that reportedly tease a pair of HiLux utes – one of the inbound combustion-powered next-gen ute and another that is labelled BEV (battery-electric vehicle).

The other models include the facelifted bZ4X and the Yaris Ativ made for emerging markets, plus the latest LandCruiser FJ revealed at the Tokyo motor show.

While the ninth-generation Toyota HiLux is hotly tipped to be unwrapped before the end of this year, the battery-electric version was only teased for a 2026 landing.

The new slide confirms its 2026 arrival in key markets, including Australia.

Too little, too late? Why the Toyota HiLux EV concept only shows how far the brand is behind Tesla and BYD

No details of the all-electric powertrain have been released, but it’s thought the all-new zero-emission ute could feature a development of the 2023 HiLux Revo and come with a single e-motor that will drive the rear wheels.

That ute was designed for the Thai market and only had a range of 250km, so expect a much longer range for the production version and for it to be able to carry 1000kg and tow between 3000-3500kg.

It should also have links to a Toyota program to develop an electric HiLux in co-operation with mining giant BHP. That vehicle development is a dual cab and will include an all-wheel drive variant.

All-electric Toyota Hilux dual-cab ute prototype, which will be tested by BHP on mines in Western Australia

When it lands next year the Toyota HiLux EV will arrive in a fast-growing all-electric ute segment that will include the new JAC T9, LDV eTerron 9 and Isuzu D-MAX EV, as well as the locally converted – but not Ford-authorised – F-150 Lightning.

One of its key rivals is expected to be the D-MAX that comes with dual motors that deliver 140kW and all-wheel drive.

Combined with a 66.9kWh battery, the Isuzu ute can tow a segment-leading 3500kg but range is limited to just 263km.

The drawback to the new Isuzu D-MAX EV is a price tag that’s been suggested will exceed $100,000.

A better bet could be the LDV eTerron 9 that features a range of over 400km thanks to a much-larger 102kWh battery and the choice of rear-wheel drive (200kW) or all-wheel drive (325kW.

Pricing has yet to be announced for the all-electric full-size ute that measures in at an imposing 5500mm long.

Expect a HiLux EV announcement to coincide with the launch of the all-new ninth-gen HiLux before the end of this year.