Tusker 65kWh 2WD

Overview

The Tembo Tusker is not a purpose-built EV ute - it is a conversion of the Toyota HiLux, replacing the petrol powertrain with a Tembo-developed 65 kWh electric drivetrain while retaining the HiLux chassis, body, and all structural elements. This means a Tusker can be serviced at any Toyota dealership for chassis and body work, while Tembo handles the specific EV drivetrain components.

For fleet operators who have standardised on the HiLux - which is comprehensively supported across Australia including remote areas - the Tusker allows electrification without changing the service relationship. This is a significant practical advantage in regional and rural Australia where Chinese EV brand service centres are absent and even Korean manufacturers have limited reach.

The 65 kWh battery is sized for urban and suburban fleet work: courier services, trade vehicles in metropolitan areas, and council or government fleet applications where daily distance is predictable and overnight charging is available. The 2WD configuration targets primarily on-road applications where 4WD capability is not required.

Pricing & Variants

Performance

Electric motor output: details consistent with the HiLux-class powertrain weight requirements. 0-100 km/h: approximately 11 seconds - consistent with the HiLux’s working-vehicle character. Top speed: 140 km/h (per vehicle data). The Tusker is designed as a work vehicle, not a performance product. The electric drivetrain delivers maximum torque from zero rpm, which benefits low-speed work use - towing, loaded starts, and stop-start urban driving.

Range and Charging

WLTP range: 350 km (per vehicle data). Real-world estimate for fleet work cycles: 220–300 km depending on load, terrain, and accessory use. Highway range at constant 100 km/h with light load: approximately 280–310 km.

DC fast charging: 80 kW (per vehicle data). 10–80%: approximately 35–45 minutes. AC charging: 7 kW. Overnight charge from empty at 7 kW: approximately 9 hours. The Tusker is primarily designed for overnight fleet charging at a depot, with DC fast charging available for range extension when required.

Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (65 / 350) × 100 × 0.30 = $5.57/100 km - substantially lower than a diesel HiLux at current fuel prices.

Interior and Technology

The Tusker retains the Toyota HiLux interior, including the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and all trim. Depending on the base HiLux specification used for conversion, the Tusker will have the HiLux’s current-generation 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The conversion adds EV-specific instrumentation: battery state of charge display, range estimate, and charging status indicators. Regen braking can typically be adjusted via a paddle or menu depending on the conversion specification.

Practicality

Five seats. Dual-cab configuration with a standard HiLux tray and canopy compatibility. Payload: approximately 900 kg (confirm with Tembo, as the battery conversion affects GVM). Towing capacity: 3,000 kg braked - substantially higher than many dedicated purpose-built EV utes.

V2L: not available (per vehicle data). The tray can accommodate canopies, toolboxes, and other fleet fit-outs that HiLux-based tradespeople already use. This is a significant advantage for fleet operators with existing HiLux tray equipment.

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense is retained from the base HiLux: Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam. All structural safety features of the HiLux are unchanged - the conversion does not alter the chassis, airbag system, or body structure.

Running Costs and Ownership

Running cost: approximately $5.57/100 km at $0.30/kWh - significantly lower than a diesel HiLux at $1.80/L and 10 L/100 km ($18/100 km). Fleet operators can expect substantial fuel savings, particularly for high-utilisation vehicles.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (per vehicle data) for the Tembo EV conversion components. The Toyota HiLux chassis, body, and retained components are covered under Toyota’s own warranty terms. Confirm the specific split of coverage with Tembo and your Toyota dealer at time of purchase.

Service: Toyota dealers handle all chassis and body maintenance. Tembo provides a national support network for EV drivetrain servicing. The split-service model is the key complexity to understand before fleet adoption.

Verdict

The Tusker 2WD is the fleet electrification path for operators committed to HiLux-based vehicles who want EV running costs with Toyota service support. The conversion approach accepts some complexity trade-offs - dual warranty structure, higher price than factory EVs - for the significant advantage of Toyota’s national service network and the HiLux’s established reliability reputation.

For fleet managers who have standardised procurement on the HiLux and cannot afford service disruptions in regional areas, the Tusker provides a lower-risk electrification path than adopting an entirely new brand and service relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tembo Tusker a genuine EV or a hybrid?

The Tusker is a full battery electric vehicle - the petrol engine is completely removed and replaced with an electric motor and battery pack. There is no petrol backup; it operates solely on electricity. Range is managed through charging at the depot or at public DC fast chargers.

Can I service the Tusker at my local Toyota dealer?

Yes, for all chassis and body maintenance. Brakes, suspension, tyres, body repairs, and all components inherited from the HiLux platform are serviced through Toyota dealers. The EV drivetrain - motor, battery, and associated electronics - is serviced through Tembo’s network. Confirm your nearest Tembo service centre before purchase if you operate regionally.

What is the towing capacity of the Tusker 2WD?

The Tusker 2WD is rated for 3,000 kg braked towing - the same as the diesel HiLux. Note that towing substantially reduces electric range; plan charging stops accordingly when towing loads near the maximum capacity.