2026 Toyota Hilux BEV: NZ range and pricing of first EV Hilux confirmed

Toyota New Zealand has revealed fresh details of its long-awaited battery-electric Hilux ahead of local pre-orders opening, confirming pricing for the first-ever Toyota Hilux BEV, which will arrive in three variants from $79,990 drive-away.

Joining the recently launched ninth-generation Hilux lineup, the all-electric ute is being pitched as a fleet-focused alternative for customers wanting zero tailpipe emissions, while promising the same Hilux formula of durability and capability.

Earlier reporting confirmed New Zealand would receive SR and SR5 variants, but Toyota has now detailed the local range, which will consist of an SR double-cab chassis, SR double-cab ute, and flagship SR5 double-cab ute.

Toyota New Zealand have managed to price the Hilux BEV much more competitively than Toyota Australia across the ditch, where pricing starts at just under NZ$90,000, rising to almost NZ$99,000 for the top-spec BEV SR5.

Toyota also confirmed all Hilux BEV models will feature a newly developed 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system.

The twin-motor setup incorporates a 82kW/206Nm front and 129kW/269Nm rear electric motors for a total system output of 144kW and 468Nm.

A diesel HiLux, by comparison, delivers 150kW of power and between 420Nm and 500Nm of torque depending on the transmission.

Driving range will vary considerably depending on body style, with cab-chassis variants rated at 245km on the NEDC cycle and wellside versions stretching to 315km.

Toyota says DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes, while a 10kW three-phase AC charger can complete a 10-100 per cent charge in approximately 5.5 hours.

Towing capability has also now been confirmed at 2000kg braked and 750kg unbraked when fitted with a Toyota Genuine Accessories towbar.

That figure falls well short of the 3500kg capacity common among diesel dual-cab rivals, however Toyota says that the BEV isn't intended to replace every Hilux in every role.

Instead, Toyota is targeting businesses operating within fixed routes and predictable daily workloads, rather than long-distance towing and heavy hauling.

The company specifically points to infrastructure operators, construction companies, farmers, horticultural businesses, trades, eco-tourism operators, and local government fleets as likely customers.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer Andrew Davis said the arrival of the electric Hilux represented an important step in the brand's broader electrification strategy.

“Offering both Kiwi businesses and private buyers the choice of a Hilux with zero tailpipe emissions is a crucial step forward in providing consumers the right powertrain for the right application, at the right time,” Mr Davis said.

“Launching the new generation, across diesel, hybrid, and full battery electric variants at the same time makes it even bigger. We have also extensively driven the BEV version on the same tracks as the diesel ute and it holds its own, both on and off-road."

Toyota suggested the Hilux BEV would be best suited to daily driving distances sit below 200km and vehicles return to a depot or farm for charging. Toyota also highlighted benefits beyond emissions, including reduced operating noise around livestock and orchards.

The company says significant engineering work has also gone into ensuring the Hilux BEV retains much of the diesel model’s off-road capability.

Unlike the diesel Hilux, the EV receives a bespoke suspension setup featuring reinforced chassis elements, MacPherson struts up front, and a De-Dion rear leaf-spring arrangement designed to accommodate the rear electric motor while retaining a live axle setup.

The Hilux BEV also maintains a 700mm wading depth and gains a six-mode Multi-Terrain Select system designed to optimise traction across different surfaces. Toyota says local testing has already seen the electric ute go head-to-head and match diesel Hilux versions in 'challenging off-road conditions'.

Toyota has also confirmed the Hilux BEV carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating, extending the rating already awarded to the diesel lineup.

Visually, buyers will be able to identify the BEV through its closed-off grille design and aerodynamically optimised 17-inch alloy wheels. The Hilux BEV will be offered in two colours at launch: Glacier White and Ash Grey.