Toyota is formally joining the game of electric trucks. As part of a worldwide drive to increase its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup, the company has confirmed it will introduce two other EVs along with an all-electric pickup truck in Europe by 2026. For a brand that has long given hybrids top priority over complete EVs, the announcement represents a significant change and is an unmistakable indication Toyota is prepared to take electrification seriously.
The drawback is that U.S. consumers will have to wait while Europe and some areas of Asia are soon getting Toyota’s first electric pickups. Currently, what we know is what has been hinted at: what kind of tech Toyota might include in its future electric trucks?
Confirmed: European Electric Pickup by 2026
The European branch of Toyota confirmed in March 2025 intentions to introduce three new BEVs by 2026. Among those will be a battery-electric pickup truck; Toyota has not yet published official pictures or specs. We are unsure whether it will be a redesigned version of an old model or a variation of the Hilux, a fresh design developed on a dedicated EV platform.
This electric pickup will be purpose-built to serve the European market, most likely with an emphasis on midsize utility, moderate off-roading, and urban practicality; what we know is that it is part of a larger plan to release 15 BEVs globally by 2026.
The Tech: Under the Skin Expectations
Based on Toyota’s present EV road map and competitor behavior, we can make reasonable estimations even though the company has not specifically mentioned the specs of the electric pickup. Here is what we might expect:
Platform: 1.
Using its next-generation e-TNGA architecture—which already forms the basis of the bZ4X SUV—Toyota is expected to For trucks, though, a modified version or all-new dedicated truck EV platform could be used—perhaps shared with Lexus or Daihatsu for other worldwide uses.
Crucially for pickup uses, Toyota has also revealed development of a modular, skateboard-style EV platform able to manage bigger battery packs and dual-motor all-wheel drive.
2. Range and battery
Toyota recently revealed a new solid-state battery program, aiming to create solid-state packs capable of 600–750 miles (1,000–1,200km) of range and 10-minute ultra-fast charging. While these are unlikely to be included in the first-generation pickup, the initial models may still feature them:
Packs containing 75–100 kWh of lithium-ion batteries
Projected range: 250–350 miles
DC quick charging: 150–200 kW
3. Drive and Motor: Train
Standard is dual-motor AWD with a possible high-torque rear-bias configuration. Targeting the midsize truck market instead of directly vying with the full-size F-150 Lightning or Silverado EV, power output could fall between 300 and 450 hp.
Toyota has stressed off-road capability in its concept materials—so locking differentials, multi-terrain select systems, and independent rear suspension could all be in the mix.
4. Towing and Load Distribution
Though Toyota knows its truck buyers, there are not any official numbers yet. A midsize electric vehicle pickup would likely target the following market:
Towing capacity: 5,000 to 7,000 lbs.
Load: 1,500–2,000 lbs
The vehicle was designed in-house and features trailer assist, an integrated brake controller, and regenerative braking tuning.
5. Interior Technology and Attributes
With its big central touchscreen, over-the-air updates, complete smartphone integration, and strong driver-assistance suite comprising:
3.0 Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)
Customized cruise control
Lane tracking aid
Predictive driver analytics
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) or even vehicle-to-home (V2H) support for energy export
A View into Toyota’s EV Design Language: The Land Cruiser Se Concept
Revealed at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the Land Cruiser Se is Toyota’s first actual concept of what electric utility vehicles might look like. While it is just a concept, it is not designed as a traditional truck. Here are a few noteworthy design elements of the Land Cruiser Se that might resonate:
Unibody building for better comfort of ride
Three-row seating suggests possible cab-and-bed modularity.
The design is futuristic and smooth, featuring vertical LED signatures.
Silent, torque-rich electric drivetrain specifically for off-road stability
Expect something more sculpted and modern than the current Tacoma if Toyota uses this design language on its pickup, but still clearly tough.
Outside the United States: The Hilux EV heads to Thailand by 2025.
Also confirmed by Toyota is the introduction of a completely electric Hilux pickup for the Thai market, expected by late 2025. This model may be more basic in tech but tough in use, and it will concentrate on work utility and fleet use in emerging markets. Though it reflects Toyota’s larger EV expansion in truck segments, it’s unknown if it shares development with the European pickup.
Thus… And what about the United States?
The big question is: will Toyota bring an electric pickup to the United States?
Though they have hinted at it, the company has not yet confirmed a U.S.-specific model. Toyota revealed a “Pickup EV” concept looking like a Tacoma in late 2021, which generated rumors about a Tacoma EV or mid-sized BEV truck for North America.
Toyota is almost definitely working on it behind the scenes given the popularity of the Tacoma and the expansion of the U.S. EV truck segment with the F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Cybertruck, and Silverado EV already in use.
Toyota could realistically introduce a Tacoma-sized electric pickup to the U.S. market by 2027 or 2028, once it completes releasing its worldwide EV fleet and scales its new North Carolina battery plant, which is set to open in 2025.
Final Thoughts: The Electric Truck Future of Toyota is Taking Shape.
Toyota’s announcement of a European electric pickup plus its global Hilux EV and Land Cruiser Se concept make it abundantly evident that the biggest automaker in the world is not merely “experimenting” with EVs. Globally, it’s building them; trucks abound in view.
Americans will have to wait temporarily, at least. Toyota, with its battery innovations, platform improvements, and strong presence in the U.S. truck market, is well-positioned to introduce a compelling electric pickup domestically. Whether it’s a Tacoma EV or something entirely different, it’s not a question of whether—just when.
