Toyota has delivered the first batch of its fully-electric Hilux pickup trucks for use as shuttle buses in trial runs mapped out within the bustling tourist resort of Pattaya.
A total of 12 Toyota Hilux Revo-e electric pickup trucks were handed over to the Pattaya Bus Cooperative on April 25, according to a press release from Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd (TMT).
Toyota did not reveal the technical specifications of the Revo-e, stating only that 12 units have been fitted with Thai-style “Song Thaew” seating benches for use in trial runs on a fixed route within Pattaya city from April to December 2024.
TMT executive vice president Surapoom Udomwong said the Revo-e is part of the “Decarbonized Sustainable City Project” in which Toyota joins forces with partners from the energy sector, government agencies and entrepreneurs in Chom Buri province. They collectively work to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that promotes the adoption of environmentally-friendly vehicles, encompassing a wide range of efficient powertrain systems.
This has allowed the local community and visiting tourists in Pattaya to try to use various newer forms of transportation, including “Last Mile” Transportation with the Toyota C+Pod vehicles and inter–city transportation with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
Toyota has also collaborated with various partners to introduce Thailand’s first-ever hydrogen refueling station, which supplies energy for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). This FCEV and hydrogen refueling trial also represents Toyota’s demonstration of long-distance transportation with the Toyota Mirai FCEV for tourists and people in Pattaya and Chonburi, traveling to and from U-Tapao International Airport.
“Today we fulfill the sustainable mobility ecosystem in Pattaya, under our multi-pathway approach, as we hand over the Hilux Revo-e serving as ‘Song Thaew’ to provide sustainable option for public transportation,” Surapoom added. “We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of all partners in actively promoting Pattaya as model city for smart and sustainable transportation, which is crucial towards achieving Thailand’s carbon neutrality goal.”
