Toyota has revealed an electric version of its best-selling HiAce van in Japan – but for now, it’s a concept.
The Global HiAce BEV Concept will be on show at the Tokyo motor show, and offers a hint as to what we can expect from the rumoured electric HiAce due in 2025.
We don’t know what battery or motors feature, but we know the concept is all about carrying big or awkward items.
It has just one seat, freeing up space for items up to 3.5 metres long, but carrying capacity hasn’t been detailed.
Outside, the BEV concept has a closed off front fascia and unique lighting to distinguish it from the diesel model.
The LED daytime running lights have a hint of C-HR about them, while the lime green accents are an unusually bright addition to the white-only HiAce.
Inside, the simple dashboard is home to a bigger, more modern touchscreen infotainment system than the standard car. Toyota says it uses connected navigation to map more efficient delivery routes, which is key with an electric van.
Under the skin, the BEV is based on a long-wheelbase HiAce which measures 5280mm long, 1950mm wide and 1990mm tall, riding on a 3210mm wheelbase.
Electric vans are scarce in Australia, with only LDV, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz offering battery-powered delivery vans Down Under for now.
LDV eDeliver 9 
Ford e-Transit
Toyota already offers an electric van in Europe, in the form of the ProAce Electric. Under the skin however, it’s a Peugeot-Citroen product, rather than an in-house Toyota vehicle.
Japanese outlet Best Car Web has previously reported Toyota is working on an electric HiAce, due in 2025. It’ll reportedly use elements of the dedicated electric e-TNGA platform of the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra.
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