Plug-in Hybrid for 2025?

It wouldn't be the first time that Toyota uses the Lexus powerplant in the Taco.

 

Would buy.

 

I’ll bet $20 the 2025 plug-in Tacoma doesn’t happen. Are we on?

 

There’s absolutely no chance of a taco plug in hybrid for several years. First opportunity is likely at the refresh which is usually 5 years in.

 

Well a Toyota announced a BEV pickup being available in 2025 or 2026. Dunno if it will be a midsized or new model line.

 

I think 2025-2026 is the right time frame. Toyota is already quite behind with EVs and I doubt they want to position themselves in last place when every car manufacturer is pushing towards EVs. Borderline stubborn in adopting forward tech. Stagnate since the Prius.

 

If I had to bet this is the Tacoma power train for the next 8-10 years and any EV truck from Toyota will come in a unibody compact like the rumored stout.

A fully electric Tacoma would have to have some massive batteries and motors to move what would become a 7k lb vehicle through wind. Price would be outrageous. The tech to make it happen is definitely not first attempt territory. They will start small, light and aerodynamic.

 

Yeah, no automaker makes huge changes like that 1 year into a new generation.

 

Yeh, that's why it's slated for 2026 model year for an EV pickup. Toyota hasn't specified size, mid or full sized.

 

I can't see Toyota building a PHEV pick up truck. The hybrid they have now is a supplemental power unit. There's no benefit of plugging that in. If Toyota builds a Corolla with a bed, that could be a PHEV, but a Corolla isn't a pick up truck.

 

From the Lexus website:
".... the RX 450h+* features a proven 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine, a high-density lithium-ion battery pack and an advanced all-wheel drive system. With a full charge, the RX 450h+ has a manufacturer-estimated 37 miles of all-electric driving range* and a manufacturer-estimated 83 MPGe.* And for those journeys that go beyond the plug, the RX 450h+ can seamlessly continue to operate in hybrid mode with a manufacturer-estimated 35 combined mpg.*"

I'm not an engineer, but it seems feasible for Toyota to be able to drop this powerplant under the hood in the new Tacoma . The 2024 Taco and Lexus already share all their engines. The curb weights of the 2024 Tacoma and Lexus 450h are also similar.

They would sell a lot of them. How much more would you be willing to pay for a Toyota plug-in hybrid Tacoma vs a conventional hybrid (pos) Maverick?

 

I would be wiling to pay zero dollars for a plug-in hybrid Tacoma. I would buy a gas RAV- 4 over a hybrid, or plug-in hybrid RAV-4 gas already gets ok milage, and paying for the hybrid is a waste of money IMO. If I was in the market for a Lexus sedan, I would go with the hybrid option and splurge for the LS 450h. Why? a. The LS-h is already pricey b. The Lexus would probably be a lease or an early trade. The Tacoma would be a longer term ownership purchase.

Toyota still has to build a PHEV truck, and I can't see that as being viable to obtain substantial mpg gains for the additional cost. BOF RWD platform versus unibody FWD platform.

 

That Lexus Hybrid is all wheel drive and uses 2 electric motors (front and rear), not at all similar to the Tacoma. The Tacoma Hybrid is designed as a horsepower boost, there would not really be any gain from plugging it in.

 

Toyota doesn't even have a plan for it. Just a BEV pickup. No PHEV pickups are even considered in their corporate videos. The PHEV Tacoma/Pickup subject is moot.

 

The entire vehicle would have to be upended. New transmission, transfer case, differentials. Prob the entire suspension configuration to make room for the electric motors at each axle. This is way more than dropping an engine under the hood.

 

Ford announces PHEV Ranger

https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ford-ranger-plug-in-hybrid-electrified-ute-here-in-2025

 

27 mile range and this little tid bit......I smell a winner if the price point is there:

The Ranger PHEV will offer Pro Power Onboard, like on the electric F-150 Lightning. This allows customers to power tools and appliances using the vehicle’s battery, effectively allowing the Ranger PHEV to be used as a generator.

 

Agree looks like a winner, and if priced right this might be the most desired midsized truck in America if/when it gets here. I still think a PHEV Tacoma is a longs shot, but then again if makers like Ford are selling PHEV Rangers within reach of a Tacoma with the Toyota tax, Tacoma sales will be going down.

 

This thing can tow 7,700#?

Today isn't April 20th!

 

Wow....if that comes here, I'll be looking for sure. Enough electric range for most daily stuff and killer towing capacity. That's a combo that would really work for me. Can drive across the country, zero range anxiety, and lots of onboard electrical power for camping or work-site stuff.