Episode 1 – Meet the Project
Every Great EV Conversion Starts with the Right Vehicle
If you ask ten engineers which pickup truck they’d choose for an electric conversion, chances are the Toyota Hilux would be near the top of the list.
Known worldwide for its durability and reliability, the Hilux has spent decades working on farms, construction sites, mines, and off-road trails. Many of these trucks are still in excellent condition, making them perfect candidates for a second life as electric vehicles.
So instead of asking “Why convert a Hilux?”, perhaps the better question is:
“Why wouldn’t you?”
This week, we’re excited to kick off our very own Toyota Hilux EV Conversion Project—and over the next ten episodes, we’ll take you behind the scenes of every major step, from dismantling the diesel drivetrain to the first all-electric test drive.
Whether you’re planning your own conversion or simply curious about how an electric pickup is built, you’re invited to follow the journey with us.
Why We Chose the Toyota Hilux
Not every pickup is equally suited to an EV conversion. We selected the Hilux because it offers several key advantages:
✔ A Proven Workhorse
The Hilux has built a global reputation for reliability. Its rugged ladder-frame chassis is designed to handle demanding workloads, making it an excellent platform for electrification.
✔ Plenty of Space
The engine bay and chassis provide generous room for installing the electric motor, battery packs, and high-voltage components without compromising practicality.
✔ Ideal for Commercial Fleets
From agriculture and mining to municipal services and logistics, the Hilux is one of the most widely used commercial pickups in the world. That makes it an ideal candidate for businesses looking to reduce fuel and maintenance costs through electrification.
Our Target Build
This isn’t just about swapping an engine—we’re building a practical electric work truck.
Our target specifications include:
- ⚡ 120kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- 🔋 200+ km driving range
- 🚙 Higher low-speed torque than the original diesel engine
- 🔇 Quieter driving experience
- 🌱 Zero tailpipe emissions
As the project progresses, we’ll explain why we chose these specifications and how each component contributes to the final result.
What We’ll Be Sharing Over the Next 10 Weeks
This series isn’t just about showing the finished truck. We want to share the entire engineering process.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll cover:
- Removing the complete diesel drivetrain
- Measuring and designing the motor adapter plate
- Battery layout and weight distribution
- Selecting the motor, battery, and controller
- Installing the electric motor
- Mounting the battery packs
- High-voltage wiring and system integration
- First power-on
- Road testing and first drive
We’ll also share the challenges, unexpected lessons, and engineering decisions we encounter along the way—because every EV conversion is a learning experience.
🎥 Episode 1 Is Now Live
In this first episode, we introduce the project, explain why we chose the Toyota Hilux, and outline our goals for the conversion.
Watch the video below and join us as we begin the journey.
Why convert a gasoline-powered pickup truck into an electric vehicle?
What’s Coming Next?
The real work starts next week.
We’ll remove every major diesel component from the Hilux—including the engine, fuel tank, exhaust system, radiator, and cooling lines—to prepare the vehicle for its electric future.
It’s one of the biggest transformations in the entire project, and it’s a step many people underestimate.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually has to come out before an EV conversion can begin, Episode 2 is one you won’t want to miss.
Thinking About Converting Your Own Hilux?
Every EV conversion is different.
The right motor, battery size, and drivetrain configuration all depend on how the vehicle will be used.
At GMT, we’ve already helped customers electrify vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and other commercial vehicles. Whether you’re planning to convert a single pickup or evaluating an entire fleet, our engineering team can help you select the right solution.
Simply contact us by [email protected] with your vehicle details , and we’ll be happy to provide a preliminary BOM, recommended system configuration, and budget estimate.
