The brand new Toyota EPU idea that was revealed on the Japan Mobility Present 2023 may look like one step away from manufacturing, however it has but to obtain the official inexperienced mild from the Japanese firm. Nonetheless, there’s an excellent likelihood it would discover its means into showrooms as a possible rival to the Ford Maverick, all whereas avoiding to step on the toes of the immensely well-liked Tacoma, at the moment the best-selling midsize truck in America.

As per an government from Toyota North America, the compact pickup undertaking has been in growth for over three years. Talking to Autonews, the unnamed government disclosed that he and his colleagues are actively advocating for its realization. Moreover, he talked about that Toyota acknowledges the robust demand for it in North America, emphasizing that they only “must make it work”.

Pickup vans should not as wanted in Japan as they’re in North America, which is why the Toyota group within the USA is taking the lead in advocating for the introduction of such a automobile. Whereas the official title for the long run manufacturing mannequin has but to be decided, the Toyota government has refuted rumors of a revival of the Stout moniker. The Stout title was beforehand utilized from the mid-Nineteen Fifties till the late Eighties for a lightweight truck.

Wants To Be Extra Reasonably priced

The hurdles that should be overcome to rework the compact EV truck right into a actuality primarily revolve round addressing manufacturing prices, making certain affordability, and defining its positioning in relation to the bigger, ladder frame-based Toyota Tacoma. As per the report, Toyota nonetheless wants to seek out methods to decrease the manufacturing prices of the compact electrical truck to make it aggressive with the Ford Maverick whereas additionally avoiding encroaching upon the worth vary of the midsize Tacoma.

The Toyota North American government mentioned that whereas swapping the EV powertrain for a conventional inner combustion four-cylinder engine would make the compact pickup cheaper, it will additionally trigger “emission points” and would possible not be permitted by Toyota’s headquarters in Japan.

“We’re preventing for it,” the manager advised the publication. “They know the way a lot we wish it. We simply must make it work.”

Designed In California

The EPU idea was developed on the Toyota Calty Design Analysis Heart in Southern California. It was initially conceived as an in-house design research however attracted the eye of Toyota executives who wished to point out it on the Japan Mobility Present and take a look at the general public’s response.

Extra: Toyota Chairman Says “Folks Are Lastly Seeing Actuality” Of EVs

The idea measures 199.6 inches (5,070 mm) lengthy, a determine that’s practically equivalent to the Ford Maverick. Nonetheless, its EV-dedicated monocoque underpinnings enable it to have a 131.8-inch (3,350 mm) wheelbase which is a full 10.7 inches (272 mm) longer than the ICE-powered Ford rival, moving into the territory of midsize vans.

The identical applies to the cargo-carrying capabilities of the idea because of intelligent design options. The usual mattress size is just 4.5 toes (1,372 mm) lengthy, however can develop to six toes (1,829 mm) with an open tailgate, and to eight toes (2,438 mm) by opening the cabin partition and folding the rear seats. The same trick has been adopted by the bigger but in addition totally electrical Fisker Alaska pickup which is coming in 2025.

Toyota has but to launch particular particulars concerning the idea’s powertrain however has confirmed its all-wheel-drive capabilities and substantial battery pack. The hope is that the automaker will efficiently handle the fee challenges and finally introduce the compact truck to the US market throughout the subsequent few years.