Electric Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Hit With Development Delays
Key Takeaways
- Toyota’s electric Land Cruiser 70 Series is delayed due to development challenges
- BHP trials electric Land Cruisers for underground mines, ensuring durability and toughness
- Toyota exploring electrifying the Land Cruiser SUV with hydrogen fuel-cell or plug-in hybrid tech
The battery-electric Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series has been delayed. Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarSales that the emissions-free off-roader is going through a “very difficult” development process.
Converting the rugged pickup truck into an equally tough electric vehicle has placed several hurdles in front of engineers and the development team. “It’s far more challenging than even we envisaged to be able to bring the capability [and] safety requirements that mining requires to these vehicles,” Hanley said.
Toyota has not developed the Land Cruiser EV, opting for a vehicle converted by Tembo e-LV, a company specializing in converting the 70 Series into an EV. In 2021, the automaker embarked on a unique trial with BHP, a global mining company with locations in Australia. The pair is trialing electric Land Cruisers for use in underground mines, as mining firms are among the biggest customers of the 70 Series.
When Will The Land Cruiser 70 EV Arrive?
Hanley didn’t provide a set date for the arrival of the electric Land Cruiser but noted it would not come before 2030. “I wouldn’t suggest before,” hinted the Toyota Australia executive.
There is no rush to get the Land Cruiser EV to market. Toyota must preserve the reputation of the near-indestructible off-roader. Should it be used in underground mines, the truck must withstand constant use, abuse, rugged terrain, and more. In short, Toyota needs to get this right. “Quality and safety are the essence here,” added Hanley.
While numerous aftermarket conversion specialists exist, purchasing factory-backed Land Cruiser EVs from Toyota would appeal to mining companies and other industries that require something similar. Initially due to arrive in 2024, the project was pushed back by a year, and has now been delayed further due to challenges of getting the electrical components to deal with dust, water, and high temperatures.
Not The Only Electrified Land Cruiser In The Works
Toyota has already said it is looking at ways to electrify the Land Cruiser SUV. However, the company has not decided on a strategy and is weighing up several possibilities, including a hydrogen fuel-cell setup and plug-in hybrid technology.
While hydrogen is a fine solution, the lack of refueling infrastructure would make it impractical, particularly for Land Cruiser owners who tend to venture thousands of miles into isolated areas. A plug-in hybrid would be a good solution, but these vehicles still spew emissions.
Of course, the legendary SUV will go all-electric in the coming years, as previewed by the Land Cruiser Se concept. Aside from that, the Japanese automaker reportedly has plans to introduce a Land Cruiser Mini.
If and when the Land Cruiser is electrified, the US market will almost certainly receive a PHEV first. After all, Toyota believes plug-in hybrids are the best approach to tackling the climate crisis.
