Over the weekend, Toyota revealed a conceptual fully electric compact truck, the Toyota EPU, set to make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this week. The concept is approximately the same size as the Ford Maverick hybrid truck, measuring around 200 inches in length, just an inch shy of the Maverick, and almost as short as current US-spec double-cab designs. The EPU can accommodate five passengers with an additional “versatile space on the deck,” potentially extending the bed for carrying longer cargo.
While Toyota hasn’t provided an overview of the cargo platform’s dimensions, considering the overall length and proportions of the truck, it likely has a bed of around five feet. With a lengthy wheelbase of 131.9 inches, 10 inches longer than the Maverick, and dimensions (width: 75 inches, height: 67 inches) comparable to the Maverick, the EPU promises stability, riding comfort, and the benefits of electric propulsion, including silent operation and a low center of gravity.
Similar to the Ford Maverick, the EPU features a unibody design, signaling a potential skateboard platform with the prospect of additional storage space under the hood.
While interior details were not discussed, the EPU is the only concept among those destined for Tokyo that presented a cabin seemingly ready for production. The dashboard adopts a horizontally oriented utilitarian appearance, featuring a dual-layer design with storage trays and a less vertical profile compared to current gasoline trucks like the Tacoma.
The announcement of a hybrid variant leading the 2024 Toyota Tacoma lineup was recently made, with the i-Force Max system prioritizing towing and hauling capabilities over maximum fuel efficiency. The synergy between such a hybrid model and the EPU, if the latter emphasizes efficiency, could be noteworthy.
Toyota had previously confirmed plans for an electric truck destined for the US market in the near future in April 2021. Earlier this month, the company unveiled plans for an extended fleet test of the Toyota HiLux Revo BEV Concept, featuring an economical battery pack and a propulsion system capable of achieving a range of up to 143 miles with 0-60 mph acceleration in 10 seconds. However, expectations are that the production version based on the EPU could deliver significantly better range and performance.
