The EPU is Toyota’s compact pickup truck for the future

At the 2023 Japanese Mobility Show, Toyota revealed a new electric pickup truck concept with a futuristic appearance, deviating from the Hilux-inspired design that we were expecting. The EPU joins the FT-Se and the FT-3e in Toyota’s lineup of concept vehicles presented at the 2023 Japanese Mobility Show.

In its official statement, Toyota indicates that the EPU has a length of a little over 4,800 millimeters and rides on a 3,353-millimeter wheelbase, making it more akin to compact trucks like the Ford Maverick. With a width of 1,828 millimeters and a height of just under 1,828 millimeters, it's evidently tailored for a more compact market segment. The vehicle utilizes a monocoque body instead of a ladder-frame chassis and features a compact four-door design with a seating capacity for up to five individuals.

In regard to information about the EPU’s powertrain or chassis, sadly, Toyota has not revealed any specifics on that field. That means we’re in the blind as to what’s under the EPU’s hood, or rather, under its floor. Judging by the beefy off-road tires though, it’s highly likely that Toyota will fit this EV pickup truck with a two-motor configuration to give it some shove.

Unlike other concept cars that Toyota has shown recently, the EPU has images of its interior which leads us to believe that it’s near the point of becoming a production version. Inside, the EPU has a fully furnished interior complete with a singular digital display unit that combines driver and center infotainment functions. This forms part of a tiered dashboard design, featuring a flat lower section and a steering yoke for the driver. 

Shifting our attention outside, the EPU has a compact bed at the rear, equipped with a modular tailgate that can split horizontally, providing extra space in the bed for transporting longer items. Whether or not this truck reaches production we’re not sure, however, because compact trucks like the Ford Maverick are gaining traction in terms of popularity, the EPU might be a good contender for that segment.