Toyota applauds Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck shattered preconceived notions of what a dual-cab 4x4 ute can be – and how a pick-up truck could look.

The wedge-shaped ‘cyberpunk’ design has polarised opinion and its all-electric powertrain will ensure it becomes one of the most powerful and fastest utes ever made when it lobs in 2022 or beyond.

Whenever it finally hits the road, the Tesla Cybertruck EV, which was shown in a controversial tug-of-war video marauding a Ford F-150, will have a profound impact on the automotive world.

And according to Toyota Australia, the first Tesla ute's introduction will be a positive development for the industry.

"I think it's exciting there's such innovation and vision and foresight in our industry," said Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley of the battery-powered US pick-up.

But the Toyota executive said the Aussie market is not yet ready for an EV ute – despite a dozen of them coming to Australia in the near future and sales of Toyota’s own hybrid vehicles at an all-time high (expected to top 25,000 sales in 2019).

"I think it's a little early for an electric ute in Australia, but certainly you'd never rule it out here," he said.

It will be a long time before an EV ute wears a Toyota badge since the brand has only just jumped onto the EV bandwagon, with its first global EV set for 2022.

However, the Toyota HiLux – currently the top-selling new vehicle in Australia – will be offered with a hybrid powertrain in its next generation.

"It's an exciting time in our industry. [There's] Lots of things happening and lots of changes," said Hanley of the shift to electrification in the industry.

As the world absorbed the striking visuals, unique features and EV powertrain of the Tesla Cybertruck, which will go head-to-head with upcoming pick-up EVs from Rivian, Ford and Chevrolet, Toyota says hybrid vehicles will deliver the biggest growth.

"I think these kinds of innovations and visions of the future are all exciting. But in the end, it all gets down to practical, real-world solutions. Affordable motoring," said Hanley.

"This is why I'm saying hybrid electric, right now, is the most practical solution.

"We've been in the market with hybrid electric vehicles since October 2001 – consistently for 18 years – so it's not like we just turned up.

"We're now broadening that offering across a number of models. You're seeing that across SUVs now, passenger cars already, that will continue into the future on other models, we've made that clear."

Toyota has made no secret of its plans to expand its ute offering in Australia, with a flagship HiLux GR tough truck on the cards. The full-size US-built Toyota Tundra is under investigation in Australia as customers demand more towing capacity than the 3500kg maximum currently offered by the HiLux and LandCruiser.

The Tesla Cybertruck is claimed to tow up to 6350kg (14,000lb), making it one of the brawniest utes out there.

"I've often said that competition is healthy – never fear it, because it will stimulate everyone and everything," stated Hanley.