Toyota electric pickup: Test drive of the TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e featuring Australian-style stiff suspension, good steering, and comfortable handling.
"Thairath Online" We had the opportunity to test the TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e, Toyota’s first electric pickup truck model. The vehicle was designed not for everyday personal use but primarily for commercial purposes, such as carrying goods and transportation. Therefore, the TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e is suited for regular transport routes while requiring vehicle toughness and comfort for both drivers and passengers.
Many wonder who the customers for the TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e are. Certainly, since it’s not aimed at the general public, this electric pickup is suitable for companies focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Particularly industries like energy and electricity, petrochemicals, steel and cement, and manufacturing and logistics — sectors that emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
These factors have increased demand for electric pickups in these industries. Toyota has already exported the TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e to several places, including mining sites that require electric pickups to address exhaust and noise issues in tunnels.
At the same time, countries like Australia and Europe are seeking clean energy vehicles to reduce carbon emissions. The HILUX TRAVO-e targets these markets and already has many orders. Key highlights of the TRAVO-e are summarized as follows.
TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e electric drivetrain system
The TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e is powered by a Dual Motor all-wheel-drive system producing a combined maximum output of 196 horsepower (144 kW). The front electric motor delivers a maximum torque of 205 Nm, and the rear motor provides 269 Nm. It is equipped with a 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a range of 315 km (based on the Eco Sticker using NEDC standards). It supports AC charging up to 10 kW and DC charging up to 125 kW.
DIAMOND GUARD technology protecting Toyota’s battery and electric drivetrain
The DIAMOND GUARD system in the TRAVO-e protects the battery and electric drivetrain with reinforced plates at the front and under the vehicle. The battery is mounted to a subframe shaped like a diamond to reduce damage from frame twisting during use. The structure also enhances safety by absorbing impacts from all directions.
Dynamic Cloud technology in the TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e
Dynamic Cloud technology in the TRAVO-e improves control, stability, and smoothness to enhance performance and comfort in all aspects.
- Additional body frame connection points strengthen the passenger cabin, improve stability, and increase ride comfort.
- Shear-type body mounts reduce vibrations entering the cabin.
- Ergonomically designed seats with soft Softex leather provide comfortable seating.
- A large steering column shaft offers precise control, good responsiveness, and reduces vibrations.
- A soft yet firm suspension grips the road, with a rear De-Dion setup that reduces unsprung weight for a smoother ride and improved handling.
- The battery is installed mid-frame to lower the center of gravity, enhancing vehicle stability and balance.
Test driving the TRAVO-e It should be noted that during this test we did not carry any cargo; only three people were in the vehicle. Our initial impression is that if the truck were loaded, the suspension would feel somewhat softer. Engineers had previously explained the suspension is set primarily for commercial use in countries like Australia.
The Diamond Guard protective panels for the motor and battery are tested for strength and durability. The side body frame is strong, and the battery case includes extra space to minimize damage in collisions.
The AWD system with dual motors is easy to operate, requiring no manual intervention for four-wheel drive; the system calculates it automatically. Drivers just need to select the road surface type using the Multi-Terrain Select button, and the vehicle adjusts traction accordingly. Testing on an off-road course showed the truck is easy to drive, able to overcome obstacles smoothly with light accelerator input.
Despite some concerns about the range, which is about 315 km per charge, as mentioned earlier, the TRAVO-e is ideal for regular transport routes where daily distance and destinations are known.
Another feature we appreciated is the control panel and key buttons on the console, allowing drivers to operate the vehicle without navigating complex menus on a dashboard screen, unlike some other electric vehicles.
Price of the TOYOTA HILUX TRAVO-e electric pickup
- HILUX TRAVO-e Double Cab 4TREX is priced at 1,491,000 baht.