Amit Saraswat 
Toyota has revealed the Hiace EV commercial van concept at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show. The powertrain details are under wraps and it could go into series production soon.
A couple of weeks back, Toyota released the images of the Hiace EV concept and the carmaker has now showcased the concept at the ongoing auto show in Japan. The new Hiace EV is said to measure 5280mm in length, 1950mm in width, and 1990mm in height and boasts a wheelbase of 3210mm. Despite its rather large dimensions, Toyota claims that the Hiace EV will offer a turning radius of 5.5 metres.
The electric genes of the Hiace EV are apparent thanks to an enclosed grille up front and a splash of green highlights all around. The concept is shared with connected LED DRL up front and a sculpted bonnet. Around the side, the Hiace EV also features steel wheels with round covers, which are likely to reduce drag and improve driving range. At the rear, the Hiace EV offers LED tail lights and a split-opening tailgate.
The earlier images released by Toyota also revealed its interior dashboard layout, which features an offset rotary gear selector and other controls. A large vertically-stacked touchscreen infotainment system sits on the centre of the dash, which is likely to offer navigation and smartphone connectivity. Other details include a multi-function steering wheel and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Since the Hiace EV has been showcased as an electric cargo van, it doesn’t offer any seating space on the inside, Apart from the driver’s seat, the rest of the cabin is empty to haul goods. The cargo area of the Hiace EV is said to measure 1715mm wide and 1270mm tall. Depending upon the market, Toyota could also spec the Hiace EV as a comfortable multi-purpose vehicle, like the ICE-powered Hiace.
Toyota is yet to reveal the powertrain and battery specifications for the Hiace EV concept. It’s unclear whether the production version of the Hiace EV concept will sit on an ICE-derived chassis or a skateboard platform, with the latter being more favourable in terms of space management.
