For generations, the Toyota HiLux has been the unbreakable backbone of the Australian trades. It’s the ute that built the country, survived the outback, and became a symbol of reliability. But in 2026, the “Unbreakable” badge faces its toughest test yet: the switch to electric.

The 2026 Toyota HiLux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) has officially been detailed for the Australian market, and the numbers are… polarizing. With a modest range and towing capacity that falls short of its diesel siblings, the question on every job site is simple: Is this actually a usable tool for the Aussie chippy, or just a fleet manager’s box-ticking exercise?

At EV Evolution, we don’t care about marketing spin. We care about whether you can tow a trailer of timber to a job site in Parramatta without running flat. We’ve put the HiLux EV through the virtual “Tradie Test” to see how it stacks up against the rising tide of electric and hybrid rivals.

📉 The Specs: Hard Limits for Hard Work

Toyota Australia has been refreshingly honest: the HiLux EV is designed for “short-range” urban work. Here is the reality of the spec sheet:

• Range: 240km (WLTP). In the real world, fully loaded with tools and ladders, expect this to drop to 180km – 200km.
• Battery: A relatively small 59.2kWh pack.
• Towing: 1,600kg (Braked).
• Payload: Approx. 715kg.

The Verdict:

If you are a sparkie operating exclusively within a 50km radius of the CBD, this ute is perfect. It’s quiet, cheap to run, and carries enough gear. But if you’re a builder towing a dual-axle trailer to a site 100km away? This isn’t the tool for you. The 1.6T towing limit rules out most excavators, heavy plant trailers, and larger caravans.

🥊 The Rivals: Who Does It Better?

The HiLux isn’t entering a vacuum. It’s walking into a cage match with competitors who offer significantly more capability for the same (or less) money.

1. The Value King: KGM Musso EV

The artist formerly known as SsangYong has come out swinging.

• Range: 420km (WLTP) for the 2WD model. That’s nearly double the HiLux.
• Towing: 1,800kg. Still not diesel-grade, but better than Toyota.
• Payload: Up to 905kg.
• Price: Starting from $60,000 drive-away.
• Tradie Take: For $30k less than the expected HiLux price, you get a ute that goes twice as far. It’s a compelling argument for the budget-conscious sole trader.

2. The Heavy Hauler: Ford Ranger PHEV

For those who refuse to compromise on towing, Ford has the answer.

• Range: ~45km of pure electric driving (enough for the commute), then petrol takes over.
• Towing: 3,500kg. The full diesel standard.
• Tradie Take: The Ranger PHEV allows you to drive silently on the job site (using the Pro Power Onboard to run your drop saw) but still tow the massive boat or caravan on the weekend. It solves the “one ute does it all” problem that the HiLux BEV creates.

🏗️ EV Evolution Angle: The Silent Workhorse for the City Chippy

Let’s be fair to Toyota. They aren’t trying to sell this to the grey nomad or the rural fencer.

The HiLux EV is a fleet weapon.

For huge companies like Downer or local councils, whose vehicles drive predictable 80km loops daily and return to a depot charger every night, the HiLux EV is unbeatable. It eliminates fuel theft, slashes servicing costs (no oil changes, less brake wear), and meets corporate ESG targets.

For the urban chippy or sparkie, it offers a refined, silent office. Imagine taking a hands-free call between jobs without the diesel clatter in the background. Imagine powering your batteries from the ute tray without idling an engine. It is a better workplace, even if it’s a restricted workhorse.

However, the payload compromise is the sting in the tail. With a payload of just ~715kg, four big blokes and a toolbox put you over the legal limit.

🤖 Join the Evolution: Check the Payload Before You Buy

Here is where it gets interesting. The older, often-criticized LDV eT60 actually beats the new HiLux in one critical area: Payload.

Do you know which electric ute can legally carry your pallet of cement?

Don’t risk a fine at the weighbridge.

At EV Evolution, we have fed the official GVM, GCM, and Payload charts into our AI-Powered Chatbot.

Ask the Chatbot today:

• “Compare the payload capacity of the Toyota HiLux EV vs. LDV eT60.”
• “Can the KGM Musso EV tow a 1.5-tonne trailer further than the HiLux EV?”
• “What is the real-world range of the HiLux EV with 500kg in the tray?”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.