Future of Green Driving: Toyota EPU Concept Unveiled
Electric pickup trucks are becoming increasingly common in the market. However, they tend to be large in size. The Rivian R1T is currently the smallest option available, though it still doesn't qualify as small or budget-friendly. This is one of the reasons why we are eager to see the Toyota EPU Concept approved for production.
Toyota EPU Concept has been revealed recently. Its design is clean and straightforward, with a slight widening towards the lower section, giving it a robust appearance. The contrast roof and rear windows angled upwards add a touch of visual appeal. It seems like it could transition to production with minimal alterations.
In terms of size, it's genuinely compact. Measuring 199.6 inches in length, it closely matches the dimensions of a Ford Maverick. It's slightly shorter in height and a bit wider, which is likely not a coincidence, especially given its unibody, quad-cab configuration. However, it does offer an additional 10 inches of wheelbase, which could translate to more interior space.
The electric nature of the Toyota EPU Concept likely allowed Toyota to extend the wheelbase further. While specific technical details were not provided, electric powertrains offer greater flexibility for designing the layout of the vehicle. Additionally, the EPU demonstrates some clever features, such as a tailgate that can fold in half when lowered to extend the bed while still providing a backstop to prevent items from falling out. Toyota also hinted at a mid-gate function similar to the Chevy Silverado EV, although it's unclear if the rear window will also be removable for a complete pass-through.
The interior of the vehicle appears to prioritize utility. The entire dashboard has been designed as a divided shelf for various small items. The design incorporates a mix of materials in blocky shapes. The presence of a steering yoke suggests a potentially promising "Steer by Wire" system, similar to what's found in the Lexus RZ. The shifter and other driving controls are positioned between two floating screens.
There were plenty of new concepts from Toytoa at the Japan Mobility show, including the Toyota Land Cruiser Se, which you should take a look at. Also, if you're thinking about buying an EV, you may want to take a look at our top Most Popular Electric Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in the US Market for Q2 2023.
