n what can only be described as a watershed moment for the automotive industry, Toyota has finally pulled back the curtain on two of its most anticipated electric vehicles to date. The Japanese automotive giant has unveiled both an electric dual-cab ute and an all-electric LandCruiser, signaling a definitive shift in the company’s approach to electrification in its most iconic and beloved vehicle lines. Toyota’s Electric Dual-Cab Ute & LandCruiser EV Revealed
For decades, Toyota has dominated the utility vehicle and off-road sectors with its rugged, dependable diesel and petrol-powered workhorses. Now, as the automotive landscape transforms rapidly around them, Toyota has answered the call of the future with bold electric interpretations of their most emblematic models.
The Electric Dual-Cab Ute: Reinventing the Workhorse
Design That Commands Respect
Toyota’s electric dual-cab ute strikes an impressive silhouette that both honors its heritage and boldly steps into the future. The front fascia has been completely reimagined, featuring a closed-off grille that’s illuminated with an LED light bar stretching across its width – a distinctive calling card of modern EVs yet uniquely Toyota in execution.
The body lines remain muscular but have been refined for improved aerodynamics, a crucial factor in maximizing the vehicle’s range. Flared wheel arches house larger wheels with aerodynamic designs, while the bed retains its practical dimensions but now includes integrated charging ports for power tools and equipment – a thoughtful touch that acknowledges the working nature of these vehicles.
Power and Performance That Delivers
Under its skin, the electric dual-cab ute houses Toyota’s next-generation electric powertrain, developed specifically for utility vehicles that need to combine serious work capabilities with sustainable operation.
The dual-motor setup – one on each axle – delivers instant torque and impressive acceleration that will change perceptions about what electric utilities can achieve. With approximately 400 horsepower and an estimated 800 Nm of torque, the electric ute doesn’t just match its fossil-fueled predecessor; it significantly outperforms it in several key metrics.
Toyota engineers have paid particular attention to towing capacity, maintaining the 3.5-tonne capability that customers expect while adding new features like Trailer Sway Control that takes advantage of the precise control offered by electric motors.
Battery Technology and Range
Perhaps the most crucial element of any modern electric vehicle is its battery system, and here Toyota has clearly invested heavily. The dual-cab ute features a new-generation solid-state battery pack – technology Toyota has been developing for years – with a capacity of 120 kWh.
This substantial power reserve translates to a claimed range of over 500 kilometers on a single charge – an impressive figure that should alleviate the range anxiety that has deterred many traditional ute buyers from considering electric alternatives.
Fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes at compatible DC fast-charging stations, while a complete charge at home using an 11 kW wallbox would take around 8 hours.
Off-Road Capabilities Reimagined
Toyota hasn’t forgotten the go-anywhere ethos that defines many of its vehicles. The electric dual-cab ute features a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system with individual wheel control, allowing for unprecedented traction management in challenging conditions.
Ground clearance has been maintained at 240mm, while approach and departure angles have actually improved over the conventional model thanks to the lack of exhaust systems and the more compact nature of electric drivetrains.
The addition of an air suspension system allows the ride height to be adjusted according to terrain, providing extra clearance when needed and lowering the vehicle at highway speeds for improved efficiency and stability.
The Electric LandCruiser: Icon Reimagined
Honoring a Legacy While Embracing the Future
The LandCruiser nameplate carries with it decades of heritage and expectation. Toyota’s approach to electrifying this venerable model has been one of careful reverence combined with forward-thinking engineering.
The electric LandCruiser maintains the imposing, authoritative stance of its predecessors but introduces subtle design cues that speak to its electric heart. The traditional grille has been replaced with a smoother face featuring the Toyota emblem prominently displayed against a textured panel. Sleek LED headlights flank this new face, with distinctive daytime running lights creating a signature look.
Uncompromising Performance
At the heart of the electric LandCruiser lies a tri-motor setup – one motor on the front axle and two on the rear – delivering a combined output of approximately 500 horsepower and a staggering 900 Nm of torque. This arrangement not only provides exceptional acceleration but allows for precise torque vectoring across the rear axle, enhancing both on-road handling and off-road capability.
The vehicle’s weight distribution has been optimized thanks to the strategic placement of battery modules throughout the chassis, resulting in a lower center of gravity than ever before – a significant advantage both on and off the road.
Range and Charging Solutions
The electric LandCruiser houses an even larger battery pack than its ute sibling, with a 140 kWh capacity providing an estimated range of 550 kilometers under standard driving conditions. This range figure, while impressive, has been achieved without compromising the LandCruiser’s legendary off-road abilities.
Toyota has implemented an 800-volt electrical architecture for the LandCruiser, enabling ultra-fast charging that can add up to 350 kilometers of range in just 20 minutes at compatible charging stations. For remote adventures, the vehicle also includes a sophisticated solar charging capability, with panels integrated into the roof that can extend range by up to 30 kilometers per day in optimal conditions.
Off-Road Excellence Redefined
The LandCruiser has built its reputation on going where others cannot, and the electric version doubles down on this commitment with innovative new systems. The electric motors provide instant, precisely controllable torque that allows for superior rock-crawling ability and sand performance.
A new “Electric Crawl Control” system mimics and improves upon the traditional crawl control feature, allowing drivers to set an ultra-precise speed for navigating difficult terrain. The removal of a traditional transmission means no gear hunting or torque converter lag – just immediate response to driver inputs.
The vehicle retains the robust ladder frame chassis that LandCruiser purists demand, though it has been significantly reinforced to protect the battery packs and modified to accommodate the electric drivetrain components.
Market Positioning and Availability
Toyota has positioned these electric offerings as premium additions to their lineup rather than replacements for the existing models – at least initially. This strategy acknowledges that while the market is shifting rapidly toward electrification, many core customers still require the certainty and established infrastructure of conventional powertrains, particularly in remote regions.
The electric dual-cab ute will be priced competitively against emerging competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck, though exact figures have yet to be announced. The electric LandCruiser, meanwhile, will occupy a premium position in the lineup, reflecting its advanced technology and the iconic status of the nameplate.
Both vehicles are expected to reach global markets by late 2025, with initial availability in regions with more established charging infrastructure before expanding to additional territories.
The Broader Significance
Toyota’s entry into the electric ute and off-road segment represents more than just new product offerings; it signifies a turning point for the industry. As one of the world’s largest and most conservative automakers, Toyota has traditionally been cautious about embracing full electrification, instead focusing on hybrid technology as a transitional solution.
This decisive move into battery-electric versions of its most iconic utility vehicles suggests a recognition that the future of even the most demanding vehicle applications will indeed be electric. Coming from Toyota – a brand synonymous with reliability and calculated decision-making – this carries significant weight and may help accelerate broader market acceptance of electric utilities and off-roaders.
A New Chapter in Toyota’s Story
These new electric offerings represent the beginning of a new chapter for Toyota, one that builds upon the company’s reputation for quality and dependability while embracing the transformative potential of electric drivetrains. By electrifying the vehicles that have defined the brand for generations, Toyota isn’t just acknowledging the changing automotive landscape – it’s actively shaping what comes next.
For longtime Toyota enthusiasts, the electric dual-cab ute and LandCruiser may take some getting used to. The absence of the characteristic diesel clatter or petrol rumble will be notable, as will the instant torque delivery and regenerative braking. But those willing to embrace the change will find vehicles that are not only cleaner and more efficient but in many ways more capable than their predecessors.
As Toyota’s President stated during the unveiling: “We are not just electrifying our vehicles; we are reimagining what they can be. The electric dual-cab ute and LandCruiser represent the next evolution of these beloved models – respecting their heritage while embracing the possibilities of electric mobility.”
With these bold new offerings, Toyota has made it clear that the future of rugged, capable vehicles needn’t be compromised by the transition to electric power. Instead, electrification opens new possibilities for performance, capability, and utility that may well redefine our expectations of what these vehicles can achieve.
FAQs:
Q: When will Toyota’s electric ute and LandCruiser be available?
A: Both vehicles are expected to reach global markets by late 2025.
Q: What is the estimated range of these electric vehicles?
A: The dual-cab ute offers approximately 500km, while the LandCruiser EV provides around 550km on a single charge.
Q: Will these replace the current diesel and petrol models?
A: Initially, they will be offered alongside conventional models rather than replacing them outright.
Q: How long does it take to charge these vehicles?
A: Fast-charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes for the ute and 20 minutes for the LandCruiser at compatible stations.
Q: Are they still capable off-road?
A: Yes, both vehicles maintain or improve upon the off-road capabilities of their conventional counterparts, with new electric-specific features enhancing performance in challenging terrain.
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