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100% Electric Model Will Be Produced by 2026 and Is Part of Toyota’s New Strategy to Dodge US Tariffs and Accelerate Global Expansion
Toyota is ready to turn the tables in the Latin American electric vehicle market. According to information from the Japanese newspaper Nikkei, the automaker will begin manufacturing the long-awaited electric Hilux in Argentina by 2026. The model will be 100% battery-powered and represents a new phase in the brand’s global strategy.
Electric Hilux Will Be Manufactured in Zárate, Argentina
According to an article published this Monday (7) by Nikkei, Japan’s most respected financial daily, reporter Ryohei Shimizu states that Toyota’s decision involves the Zárate unit, where combustion versions of the Hilux are already produced. Now, the facility will also house the assembly of the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) version — fully electric.
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The proposal is clear: reduce the effects of trade tariffs imposed by the United States, especially during the Trump administration, and accelerate the delivery of electric vehicles to strategic markets.
Argentina Enters Toyota’s Global Radar
So far, the production of fully electric vehicles by Toyota has been concentrated only in Japan and China. With the new plan, the brand will diversify production to countries like Argentina, Thailand, and the United States.
According to Nikkei, Toyota aims to launch up to 15 electric models by 2027, well above the current five. The idea is to strengthen the company’s global presence and prevent it from falling behind in the race for zero carbon emission vehicles.
Electric Hilux Arrives with History and Innovation
The first public appearance of a concept for the electric Hilux was in December 2022. Since then, the model has been developed with a focus on range and robustness — two requirements for those who rely on the pickup for heavy-duty work.
Production in Argentina does not yet have a specific start date, but the expectation is that the first units will begin to be sold from 2026 in various markets, including Brazil.
Hilux with Multiple Energy Options
Toyota is also working on a new generation of the Hilux, which is expected to offer a variety of versions to meet different consumer profiles:
- Diesel
- Gasoline
- CNG
- Mild Hybrid
- Conventional Hybrid
- Hydrogen
- And of course, the 100% electric Hilux
Some mild hybrid versions are already available in selected markets.
Toyota Wants a Spot on the Electric Podium
Even with a 34% growth in electric vehicle sales in 2024 (about 140,000 units), Toyota is still behind competitors like Tesla (1.79 million), BYD (1.76 million), and Volkswagen (740,000). With the new electric Hilux, the brand aims to strengthen its presence in the segment and show that it is not just following the trend, but also setting the pace for the automotive transformation.
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