Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 20 August 2026
Toyota New Zealand’s Chief Strategic Officer has claimed that customer response has been “really good” in regards to the new all-electric Hilux BEV.
Andrew Davis made these claims during an interview with NZ Autocar, revealing what the uptake has been like.
“We didn’t think of very much volume for Hilux BEV. We’ve had a really good customer response. So we’re just working through what we can order, and put into backorder to supply.
“On the road at the moment there’s about a dozen, and then I think we have sold eight,” Davis said.
While Toyota New Zealand didn’t reveal any sales projection figures at the launch earlier this year, conservatism seemed to be the sentiment.
This sentiment was echoed by Davis more recently, as he mentioned how many they were hoping to sell this year.
“By the end of the year, we are hoping to be somewhere between 50 and 80 [on the road] if we can.”
Given the Hilux BEV’s driving range of 315km (NEDC), it makes sense that most examples in New Zealand are being used on farms and such.
“Because the range of that vehicle isn’t huge on the road, if you have on-road needs, you would consider something else.
If you’ve got something that needs a ute, but you also want battery electric, that’s where it’s fitting.”
Davis also came across some customers at the Fieldays recently, who were leaning into the electric way of life.
“There are a lot of farmers who are really savvy, and are saying; ‘fuel crisis? I’ve got diesel tanks — what do I do?’
“But if I put solar up and have a Hilux BEV, I can then be quite self-sufficient.”
