2017 Toyota Tacoma 0 60

When Will Toyota Have an Electric Tacoma Pickup Truck?

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Toyota hasn't officially announced an electric version of its popular Tacoma pickup truck, but the company has hinted that it may introduce an electric pickup in the future. However, the automaker isn't the only one without an electric pickup, however, as there are currently no electric pickup trucks available to the public.

For now, the Tacoma runs on gasoline and comes with a choice between two engines that let you maximize either efficiency or performance. If a more eco-friendly Toyota truck is important to you, it may be worth considering the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime, a compact SUV that comes standard with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and 302 horsepower.

Tacoma and Tundra

With a starting MSRP of $26,050, the entry-level Tacoma is an affordable pickup suitable for most drivers. The 2020 Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter 4-Cylinder engine with estimated 20 city and 23 highway mpg, but it can also be upgraded to a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 6,400-pound towing capacity and off-road capabilities (at the cost of slightly worse fuel economy). Meanwhile, an appealing and comfortable interior paired with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa compatibility keep passengers happy no matter where you go.

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If you like the Tacoma's features and have the budget to spare, you also might want to consider the Toyota Tundra. Starting at $33,575, it offer an expansive 38-gallon fuel tank and 10,200-pound towing capacity. With an even more powerful V8 engine, the Tundra is a better choice if you anticipate putting your truck to heavier use.

Will Toyota Offer an Electric Pickup Truck in the Future?

In a June 2020 interview with CarBuzz, one of Toyota's chief truck engineers, Sheldon Brown, offered sparse details about the automaker's future regarding electric trucks. However, he hinted that it's certainly possible that there will be an electric Toyota truck in the coming years. Although he declined to offer specifics about the direction the brand will go in the future, Brown acknowledged that "electrification makes sense" as "truck owners value torque and initial response."

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Brown also reaffirmed Toyota's commitment to producing powerful off-road vehicles, stating, "I can certainly confirm we're committed to the TRD brand and Pro." TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, and the 2020 Toyota TRD Pro Series features various Toyota models with serious off-road capabilities, including the Tacoma and Tundra.

Does Toyota Have Any Electric Vehicles for Sale Right Now?

While Toyota hasn't expanded into fossil-fuel alternatives for trucks yet, cars are a different story. fuel cell electric vehicle called the Mirai. The 2020 Mirai is powered by hydrogen, meaning it runs on hydrogen and only emits water. While it has an EPA-estimated driving range of 312 miles and takes just minutes to refuel, the Mirai is currently only available to California and Hawaii residents who have access to a hydrogen fueling station. The front-wheel drive hydrogen-powered vehicle has a maximum output of 153 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated 67 mpg.

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The 2020 Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid with electric and gas motors, is also worth mentioning. Its estimated range in pure electric mode is 25 miles, which should be sufficient for running errands around town without draining the vehicle's gas tank at all. The Prius Prime recharges in about five hours and 30 minutes using a standard 120-volt charger or just two hours and 10 minutes using a fast-charging 240-volt outlet. When it's not running on electricity, the Prius Prime works just the same as the Prius hybrid.

Lastly, while it hasn't hit dealerships yet, Toyota's compact RAV4 Prime (already available in hybrid form as the RAV4) is another plug-in hybrid. In fact, it almost has the same name and will be called the RAV4 Prime. It has an EPA-estimated 42 miles in electric vehicle mode and an EPA-estimated total driving range of 600 miles. It also has a combined 302-horsepower output and comes standard with AWD.

2017 Toyota Tacoma 0 60