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Power on parade: Toyota displays its electric and hybrid lineup at PEVS and unveils the Tamaraw MPUV at PITS

DT · Oct 24, 2026, 1:31 AM

BZ4X became Toyota’s first battery-electric model in the Philippines when it debuted in 2025. — PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF toyota

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has brought its electric and hybrid lineup to the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), where visitors can see its latest battery-powered models alongside vehicles that have helped introduce Filipino motorists to hybrid technology.

The company is also making more than 10 electrified vehicles available for test drives during the three-day event at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Among the exhibits is the Hilux BEV, an electric version of Toyota’s popular pickup. The model retains the familiar pickup configuration but uses battery power instead of a conventional diesel engine. It also carries Toyota’s newer Cyber-Sumo design, which gives the Hilux a different appearance from earlier generations.

URBAN Cruiser BEV caters to first-time EV buyers as Toyota’s most accessible fully electric model.

Another attraction is the bZ4X, Toyota’s first battery-electric vehicle officially introduced in the Philippines in 2025. The electric crossover has a manufacturer-stated driving range of up to 570 kilometers.

The Urban Cruiser BEV, the subcompact electric crossover launched locally this year, has a claimed range of 475 kilometers. Toyota positions it as its most accessible battery-electric model, particularly for motorists who are considering their first fully electric vehicle.

The Zenix HEV, Toyota’s first seven-seat hybrid offered locally, provides an alternative for households that need additional passenger space.

Beside it is the Corolla Cross GR-S HEV, the sportier version of the popular hybrid crossover. Its GR-S exterior treatment distinguishes it from the regular Corolla Cross variants.

FAMILIES get seating for seven with the Zenix HEV, which uses a gasoline engine and electric motor.

SPORTIER exterior styling distinguishes the Corolla Cross GR-S HEV from the regular crossover variants.

A third-generation Prius recalls Toyota’s early years in the local hybrid market, long before electrified vehicles became common at motor shows. Although the Prius is no longer sold locally, examples of the earlier generations can still be seen on our roads.

Toyota’s participation at PEVS is part of its multi-pathway approach, which gives buyers different powertrain options rather than relying exclusively on fully electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, at the inaugural Philippine International Truck Show, Toyota has turned its attention to commercial vehicles with the public presentation of the next-generation Tamaraw Modern Public Utility Vehicle.

The locally manufactured Tamaraw MPUV follows the prototype first presented by Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda in 2023. Production takes place at Toyota’s Santa Rosa plant in Laguna.

HILUX BEV gives Toyota’s popular pickup an electric variant at this year’s Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit.

The vehicle was developed with government and transport sector partners, as well as local body builders, as a possible replacement for traditional public utility vehicles.

Toyota has also displayed several Tamaraw conversions. These include a miniature fire response truck developed by Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, a food truck for small businesses and a freezer van for transporting perishable goods.

The two exhibits cover different sides of Toyota’s Philippine operations. At PEVS, visitors can examine its electric and hybrid offerings, while PITS provides a closer look at how the locally produced Tamaraw could serve public transport operators and businesses.