Among the dozen electric vehicle concepts unveiled by Toyota on Tuesday, two emphasized ruggedness and off-road capability. The Compact Cruiser EV and the Toyota Pickup EV provide a preview of two possibilities among the 30 electric models Toyota plans to launch by 2030.
Of the 15 concepts showcased on Tuesday, most of them intended for production according to Toyota, these two trucks are likely to evoke nostalgia and excitement among fans of Toyota trucks in the United States.
The Compact Cruiser EV is an electric SUV with a style reminiscent of the Toyota FJ Cruiser, a classic off-road model from the early 2000s conceived as a revival of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser of the FJ40 series.
The overall shape of the Compact Cruiser EV is quite similar to the FJ Cruiser, but this concept ditches the round headlights of the FJ and features four conventional doors for added practicality. As the name suggests, the Compact Cruiser EV also appears genuinely compact, making it easier to maneuver on off-road trails than the old FJ Cruiser.
The Toyota Pickup EV concept has a style reminiscent of the current midsize Toyota Tacoma truck and also appears quite similar in size to that model. Toyota did not disclose details about the powertrain of the Pickup EV or Compact Cruiser EV concepts, so style is all we have to go on for now.
Introducing an electric truck seems like a reasonable addition to Toyota’s lineup. Toyota has likely observed the enthusiasm behind the Rivian R1T and R1S, the GMC Hummer EV, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Tesla Cybertruck and may want to join the action.
Toyota has also taken small steps toward electrified off-road vehicles.
- The RAV4 Prime, which is actually better in some off-road situations in its EV mode with the gasoline engine off.
- Toyota revealed its first hybrid truck this year, a variant of the full-size Tundra truck that emphasizes power and towing capacity over miles per gallon.
- Toyota plans to manufacture hybrid batteries in the U.S., paving the way for U.S.-made electric vehicles.
