New Toyota EPU concept is an old-school pick-up with modern electric power

Tokyo concept car previews a next-generation electric pick-up, which will be smaller but more practical than diesel Hilux

Toyota has unveiled the EPU “mid-size pick-up” concept ahead of its Tokyo Motor Show reveal later this week. Sitting alongside the reimagined Toyota Land Cruiser Se, the EPU shows the brand’s vision for a future zero-emission pick-up truck.

Measuring 5,070mm long, the EPU is 255mm shorter than the existing Toyota Hilux. The concept’s 3,350mm wheelbase is 265mm longer, however. This is evident in the show shots that Toyota has issued: as well as typical pick-up styling cues such as a raised ride height and extensive cladding, the EPU gets visibly short front and rear overhangs.

This should make the truck roomier inside. So far we’ve only been given a glance at the car’s dashboard, which features an unusual dual-screen layout and a yoke-style steering wheel that could polarise opinions. There is a big shelf ahead of the passenger seat, and what looks like an almost-entirely flat floor – emphasising that feeling of space.

Toyota says the “rear of the cabin links boldly with the deck to accommodate diverse user preferences, supporting a wide range of mobility lifestyles, including outdoor activities.” From the images, we can see this includes accessories such as a rack for boats or surfboards, although no further details have been given at this time. It looks like the EPU will also get an innovative tailgate design that slides out to extend the length of the load bed.

We’ve no information on what might power the EPU when a production version arrives, nor what battery or range it might get. That said, knowing Toyota’s plans to offer cars with 500 miles or more by 2026, we can safely assume the EPU would sit among the longest-range electric vehicles in its class. A class that admittedly, right now, consists of just one model: the Maxus T90EV.

We’ll learn more about the five-seat EPU in due course, but Toyota has promised the usual “EV quietness” and a “low centre of gravity for superior handling stability and ride comfort”. The maker has also said the monocoque body will deliver “high durability” – an essential character trait in this part of the market.

Find out what else has been happening at this year's Tokyo Motor Show here...

Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the our team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Recommended

Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
20 Nov 2023
New Toyota Proace Max arrives to complete an updated van lineup
Toyota Proace Max
News

New Toyota Proace Max arrives to complete an updated van lineup

Toyota has completed its van range with the launch of the Proace Max large panel van and it’s updated all the other LCV models so they don’t feel left…
15 Nov 2023
New Toyota FJ Bruiser Concept makes monster trucks look modest
Toyota FJ Bruiser Concept - front
News

New Toyota FJ Bruiser Concept makes monster trucks look modest

This bonkers celebration of Toyota Land Cruiser’s heritage is one of a dozen cars Toyota has brought to SEMA 2023
1 Nov 2023
New Honda Sustaina-C is an electric city car with its own ‘Pocket’
 Honda Sustaina-C and Pocket EV scooter
News

New Honda Sustaina-C is an electric city car with its own ‘Pocket’

The cute Honda Sustaina-C concept car is partnered with a ‘Pocket’ EV scooter
27 Oct 2023

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
New Dacia Duster Commercial 2023 review: a cheap, but extremely capable small van
Dacia Duster Commercial -  front tracking
Road tests

New Dacia Duster Commercial 2023 review: a cheap, but extremely capable small van

Dacia’s no-frills approach to budget motoring lends itself to the commercial vehicle genre, making the Duster Commercial an appealing option
28 Nov 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023