The automotive world is buzzing with anticipation as Toyota, a brand long synonymous with reliability and hybrid innovation, steps boldly into the electric vehicle (EV) arena. For years, the Japanese automaker faced criticism for its slow pivot from gasoline-powered vehicles to fully electric ones. But recent developments suggest that Toyota is ready to shed that reputation and charge toward an electrified future—literally. Among the most exciting prospects? Toyota’s new electric truck, a concept that could soon transform the brand’s iconic Tacoma pickup and rugged 4Runner SUV into battery-powered contenders. Here’s a deep dive into what’s brewing at Toyota, from concept unveilings to production timelines, and why these moves could reshape the EV landscape.
A Shift in the Winds: Toyota’s EV Awakening
Toyota’s journey to electrification hasn’t been a straight line. Environmentalists and activists have long pointed fingers at the company for leaning heavily on its hybrid technology—think Prius and RAV4 Hybrid—while competitors like Tesla and Ford raced ahead with all-electric offerings. But the tide is turning. Over the past few years, Toyota has unleashed a flurry of EV concepts, battery tech breakthroughs, and ambitious production plans that signal a seismic shift. At the heart of this transformation is a growing lineup of electric vehicles tailored to diverse markets, with the U.S. poised to see some of the most intriguing additions yet.
In Brussels this week, Toyota grabbed headlines by unveiling three new electric SUVs slated for Europe by year’s end: an updated bZ4X, a C-HR+, and a Land Cruiser EV. While the spotlight was on Europe, whispers about the U.S. market emerged, hinting at what’s next for American drivers. Simon Humphries, Toyota’s chief branding officer, spoke of “unbridled opportunities for recreation in America,” name-dropping the Tacoma and 4Runner as potential EV candidates. These aren’t just passing mentions—Toyota is teasing a new electric pickup and SUV for Europe in 2025, and with the company reportedly phasing out its “bZ” naming convention, an electric Tacoma and 4Runner feel closer than ever.
Toyota’s New Electric Truck: The Tacoma Takes Charge
Let’s zero in on Toyota’s new electric truck, a project that’s been simmering since 2021 when the company first confirmed an electric pickup was in development. That year, Toyota debuted the Pickup EV concept alongside the bZ4X SUV reveal, offering a glimpse of what an electrified Tacoma might look like. The concept’s design—sharp lines, knobby off-road tires, and a white paint job screaming “TRD Pro”—mirrored the next-generation Tacoma unveiled in 2024. It’s hard to ignore the resemblance, and speculation is rife that this could be Toyota’s first electric truck to hit the market.
The Tacoma isn’t just any truck. In 2023, it was Toyota’s top-selling pickup in the U.S., moving over 192,000 units. An electric version could tap into that loyal fanbase while drawing in eco-conscious buyers eager for a rugged, capable EV. A survey by Autolist in late 2023 underscored this potential: among 3,600 car shoppers, a hypothetical electric Tacoma topped the list of desired EV pickups, outpacing heavyweights like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck. Clearly, the appetite is there—but what will Toyota’s new electric truck bring to the table?
Details remain scarce, but Toyota has dropped some breadcrumbs. The company is benchmarking rivals like the F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV, and Cybertruck, suggesting it’s eyeing a competitive range and towing capacity. The Pickup EV concept hints at off-road prowess, with a low center of gravity from battery placement and instant torque—perfect for tackling trails in silence. Yet, there’s a twist: Toyota also unveiled the EPU concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, a midsize unibody EV truck with a longer wheelbase than the Tacoma but a more compact overall footprint. Could this be an alternative to a Tacoma EV, perhaps a rival to the Ford Maverick? Or might Toyota pursue both paths?
Beyond the Truck: An Electric 4Runner on the Horizon?
While Toyota’s new electric truck steals much of the spotlight, the 4Runner isn’t far behind. As Toyota’s third best-selling SUV in the U.S. last year (92,100 units), behind only the RAV4 and Corolla Cross, it’s a prime candidate for electrification. Humphries’ mention of “recreation in America” alongside the Tacoma suggests Toyota sees the 4Runner as a natural fit for an EV makeover. Picture it: a battery-powered 4Runner climbing rocky terrain, its electric motors humming quietly as it delivers the off-road capability fans adore.
Toyota’s teaser of a new electric SUV for Europe in 2025 fuels this speculation. Dropping the “bZ” prefix could mean a shift to familiar nameplates like Tacoma and 4Runner, aligning with buyer recognition rather than a new branding experiment. If realized, an electric 4Runner could pair rugged utility with zero-emission performance, appealing to adventurers who want to explore without leaving a carbon footprint.
Powering Up: Battery Tech and Production Plans
A big question looms over Toyota’s new electric truck and its SUV sibling: range. Current Toyota EVs, like the bZ4X, have lagged behind competitors in this department. The 2025 bZ4X offers 252 miles of EPA-rated range, but the refreshed version unveiled in Brussels boasts a 73.1 kWh battery and up to 356 miles (WLTP)—likely translating to 270-280 miles EPA. That’s a step forward, but towing and hauling in a truck demand more juice. Toyota’s next-gen battery tech, teased in recent years, could be the key. The company has promised breakthroughs in solid-state batteries and higher energy density, potentially unlocking the range and power needed for Toyota’s new electric truck to compete.
Production is another piece of the puzzle. Toyota’s $2 billion investment in its Kentucky plant will birth a three-row electric SUV by mid-2026, but Toyota’s new electric truck might follow a different timeline. Reports from Japan, uncovered by Australia’s Drive, suggest Toyota is prioritizing the Tacoma’s electric powertrain for North America, even delaying the Compact Cruiser EV to get it right. With plans to launch 15 EVs by 2025, Toyota has the momentum—and a pickup seems a high-priority target given the U.S. market’s truck obsession.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Toyota’s electrification push isn’t without hurdles. Battery range remains a sticking point, especially for a truck expected to tow and haul like its gas-powered kin. Competitors like the F-150 Lightning (up to 320 miles) and Rivian R1T (over 400 miles in some trims) set a high bar. Toyota’s cautious approach—focusing on “ever-better” cars tailored to each region—might delay its EV truck as it refines the formula. Yet, that same meticulousness could yield a standout product, blending Toyota’s legendary durability with electric efficiency.
The opportunities, though, are vast. Toyota’s new electric truck could electrify its pickup lineup, building on the hybrid Tundra and Tacoma already on roads. An electric Tacoma or EPU could dominate the midsize segment, while a larger full-size EV truck—perhaps inspired by benchmarked rivals—might challenge Ford and GM. Pair that with an electric 4Runner, and Toyota could corner the market for adventure-ready EVs.
What Fans Are Saying
Enthusiasm is palpable. Online forums and X posts buzz with excitement over Toyota’s new electric truck, with fans praising the idea of a silent, torquey Tacoma TRD Pro. “An electric Tacoma would be a game-changer,” one user wrote, “perfect for overlanding without the gas guzzle.” Others dream of a 4Runner EV, envisioning rooftop tents and solar charging in the wilderness. Skeptics, however, question range and charging infrastructure, especially for remote trails. Toyota will need to address these concerns to win over its hardcore base.
When Will We See It?
Timing remains the million-dollar question. Toyota’s “near future” promise from 2021 suggests Toyota’s new electric truck could debut soon—perhaps by 2025 alongside its 15-EV goal. The Brussels teasers and Kentucky investment point to a busy few years ahead. Whether it’s a Tacoma EV, the EPU, or both, Toyota’s first electric truck feels tantalizingly close. An electric 4Runner might follow, riding the same wave of innovation.
The Bigger Picture
Toyota’s EV expansion reflects a broader industry shift. As gas prices fluctuate and climate concerns mount, electrified pickups and SUVs are no longer niche—they’re mainstream. Toyota’s new electric truck could mark a turning point, proving the brand can blend its heritage of toughness with a sustainable edge. For a company once criticized for dragging its feet, this is a chance to leap forward—and maybe even lead.
So, what do you think? Would an electric Tacoma or 4Runner tempt you to plug in? Toyota’s electrification story is just getting started, and the road ahead promises to be an exciting ride.