The current Tacoma has been around for quite some time. And with other manufacturers like Chevy and Nissan updating their midsize trucks, Taco can feel a little outdated. However, it is still the best seller in this segment. The next version of this pickup is expected. And Toyota may have plans to introduce the Tacoma EV.
Is there a Toyota Tacoma electric car?
Toyota has been a little slow to catch up with its electric vehicles, and there is no Tacoma EV on the market. But in 2022, the Japanese automaker has revealed what appears to be a concept.
It will be the first truly new Tacoma in nearly 20 years. And while there will certainly still be a four-cylinder engine and a V6 engine on offer for this midsize truck, we could also see an EV variant.
The new Tacoma will ride on the TNGA-F platform, which is shared with other vehicles such as the Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX. This will enable this pickup truck to have an electric powertrain.
Accordingly, the electric Tacoma will likely be available with a crew cab and short bed configuration. It would also mark another major manufacturer entering the EV truck game. Ford has the F-150 Lightning, Chevy is electrifying the Silverado, and during the Super Bowl, Ram showed off its electric truck to the crowd.
Do we need electric trucks?
Right now, I’m a truck operator. I grew up around trucks and currently live in a part of the United States where pickups reign supreme. When I got the chance to test with the hybrid V6, I was a little skeptical, but I came away pleasantly surprised.
Gas engines aren’t broken in the Tacoma, so you might be wondering what’s the point of bothering with a battery-powered option. But the answer is rather simple. If Toyota sees a market for an electric Tacoma, why not offer one?
Most of the brands that offer or have open reservations for an electric van are already struggling to keep up with demand. While you might think the electric powertrain should be reserved for an economy car, people are clearly open to the efficiency of an electric vehicle mixed with the utility of a pickup truck bed.
Details about the Tacoma Electric are still far and wide. In fact, details about it are generally limited. But one thing is certain; Hype is starting to build around this midsize truck. Toyota’s mini pickup hasn’t been updated in quite some time, and despite its entry into the modern era, we hope it remains the rugged Taco we’ve come to love and appreciate.
