Toyota has not yet released an electric Tacoma, but the company has confirmed plans to build one
As of now, there is no electric version of the Toyota Tacoma on the market. Toyota announced in 2023 that an electric Tacoma is in development, but no official release date, pricing, or detailed specifications have been made public. The company has been testing battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains across its truck lineup, but the Tacoma specifically remains gasoline-only.
What exists today is the standard Tacoma with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the option of a hybrid version that pairs that engine with an electric motor. The hybrid Tacoma, available since 2024, delivers better fuel economy than the gas-only model but is not a fully electric vehicle. If you are shopping now and want an electric truck, you will need to look at other manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota has announced an electric Tacoma is in development but has not released a launch date, price, or confirmed specifications.
- The current Tacoma lineup includes a gasoline V6 engine and a hybrid option, but no fully electric model.
- Other manufacturers including Ford, Chevrolet, and Rivian already offer electric trucks you can order or purchase today.
- When the electric Tacoma does arrive, its price and range will likely depend on battery size and whether Toyota offers multiple trim levels.
What Toyota has said about the electric Tacoma timeline
Toyota's official statements have been vague about when the electric Tacoma will reach customers. The company has indicated it is working on battery-electric trucks as part of a broader shift toward electrification, but has not committed to a specific model year or launch window. Toyota tends to announce vehicles closer to their actual release date, so waiting for more concrete information is reasonable if you are not in a hurry to buy.
The delay reflects Toyota's cautious approach to the truck market. The company is watching how customers respond to electric trucks from Ford (F-150 Lightning), Chevrolet (Silverado EV), and Rivian (R1T) before committing to a full production schedule. Toyota's engineering teams are also working on battery supply and manufacturing capacity, which affects when new models can launch.
How the current Tacoma hybrid compares to a future electric model
The 2024 and 2025 Tacoma hybrid uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an electric motor and a battery pack. It delivers roughly 437 horsepower combined and achieves better fuel economy than the gas-only Tacoma—around 21 to 23 miles per gallon depending on drive type (two-wheel or four-wheel). The hybrid still relies on the gasoline engine for most driving and cannot run on battery power alone for extended distances.
An electric Tacoma, when it arrives, would eliminate the gasoline engine entirely and rely on a large battery pack for all power. This would mean zero tailpipe emissions, lower fuel costs (charging is cheaper than gasoline), and potentially different driving characteristics—electric motors deliver torque when ready, which changes how the truck accelerates and handles. The trade-off is that electric trucks typically cost more upfront than their gasoline or hybrid counterparts, though operating costs are lower over time.
If you need a truck now and want better efficiency than a gas-only model, the hybrid Tacoma is available. If you can wait and want a fully electric option, you could either wait for the electric Tacoma or explore electric trucks already on the market from other brands.
Electric trucks you can buy or order today
Several manufacturers have already launched electric trucks. The Ford F-150 Lightning is in production and available for purchase, with a starting price around $55,000 to $60,000 depending on trim and options. It offers a maximum range of roughly 320 miles on a full charge and can tow up to 14,000 pounds depending on configuration.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV began deliveries in 2024 with a starting price in the mid-$60,000 range and an estimated range of around 400 miles. The Rivian R1T, a premium electric truck, starts around $71,000 and offers up to 430 miles of range. GMC also offers the Sierra EV Denali, which shares the Silverado EV's platform and starts around $70,000.
Each of these trucks has different towing capacities, bed sizes, and technology features. If you are comparing them to a future electric Tacoma, consider that the Tacoma is traditionally positioned as a mid-size truck, while the F-150 Lightning and Silverado EV are full-size. An electric Tacoma would likely compete on price and size rather than maximum towing or payload capacity.
What to consider while waiting for the electric Tacoma
If you are interested in an electric Tacoma but it is not yet available, you have three practical options: buy a current Tacoma (gas or hybrid) now, wait for more information about the electric version, or explore electric trucks from other manufacturers.
Buying now makes sense if you need a truck within the next few months and plan to keep it for many years. The current Tacoma is reliable, holds resale value well, and the hybrid option offers a middle ground between fuel economy and upfront cost. Waiting makes sense if you can manage without a truck for another year or two and want to see what Toyota actually delivers in terms of price, range, and features.
Exploring other brands' electric trucks makes sense if you want an electric vehicle now and do not need the Tacoma specifically. The F-150 Lightning and Silverado EV are proven products with established dealer networks and service infrastructure. They cost more than a Tacoma but offer more towing capacity and range if those matter to your use case.
Battery technology and charging infrastructure for electric trucks
Electric trucks require access to charging, which is the biggest practical difference from gasoline vehicles. Home charging (using a Level 2 charger installed at your house) is the most convenient option and typically adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. If you do not have a garage or driveway where you can install a charger, public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla Superchargers are available in most urban and suburban areas, though rural coverage is still spotty in some regions.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years. Modern electric truck batteries hold their charge well over time, and most manufacturers warranty them for 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent depending on temperature, which is worth considering if you live in a cold climate.
When the electric Tacoma launches, Toyota will likely publish its charging specifications and range estimates. Those details will matter more than the brand name when deciding whether it fits your actual driving patterns and charging situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the electric Tacoma be available for purchase?
Toyota has not announced a specific release date. The company confirmed it is developing an electric Tacoma but typically does not reveal launch windows until closer to production. Check Toyota's official website or contact a local dealer for updates as the company makes announcements.
Will the electric Tacoma cost more than the current Tacoma?
Almost certainly yes. Electric trucks from Ford, Chevrolet, and Rivian all cost significantly more than their gasoline counterparts. A new Tacoma starts around $30,000 to $35,000, while electric trucks typically start in the $55,000 to $70,000 range. Toyota's pricing will depend on battery size and trim options.
Can I use the current Tacoma hybrid if I want better fuel economy?
Yes. The 2024 and 2025 Tacoma hybrid is available now and delivers 21 to 23 miles per gallon, which is significantly better than the gas-only model's 18 to 21 mpg. It costs roughly $3,000 to $5,000 more than the base gasoline Tacoma but requires no charging infrastructure.
How does the electric Tacoma compare to the F-150 Lightning?
The F-150 Lightning is a full-size truck with more towing capacity and range than a mid-size Tacoma will likely offer. The electric Tacoma, when released, will probably be smaller, lighter, and less expensive, making it better for buyers who do not need maximum towing power and want a more maneuverable truck.
What if I need an electric truck right now?
The Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV are both available for purchase or order today. Both are established products with dealer support and warranty coverage. If you can wait for the Tacoma, you can; if you need a truck now, these are your current electric options.