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Overview
The Tusker 77 kWh 4WD addresses the limitation of the 2WD variant for buyers who need off-road capability and regional range. The larger battery and 4WD system make the Tusker 4WD suitable for government fleets, mining support, agricultural applications, and any operation where sealed road assumptions don’t hold.
The HiLux chassis’s proven capability in demanding Australian environments is the baseline; the Tembo conversion adds EV running costs while preserving the engineering that fleet operators in those environments have relied on for decades. The 4WD system is the HiLux’s own, meaning ground clearance, approach angles, and low-range capability are unchanged from the donor vehicle.
For organisations electrifying vehicle fleets in remote or semi-remote areas, the Tusker 4WD’s combination of HiLux service availability and EV running economy addresses a gap that no other vehicle in the Australian market currently covers as directly.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | Est. Range | Drive | Towing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tusker 65 2WD | 65 kWh | ~350 km | 2WD | 3,000 kg | ~$74,000 |
| Tusker 77 4WD | 77 kWh | ~400 km | 4WD | 3,000 kg | ~$82,000 |
Performance
Electric motor output: calibrated for the heavier 4WD HiLux platform. 0-100 km/h: approximately 10 seconds (per vehicle data) - consistent with the HiLux’s utility vehicle character. Top speed: 140 km/h. The electric drivetrain’s full torque from zero rpm benefits the 4WD use case particularly: slow rock crawling, loaded off-road extraction, and steep incline starts all benefit from the electric motor’s torque delivery.
The 4WD system preserves HiLux low-range and diff-lock capability where the base vehicle has these features - allowing the Tusker to be operated in challenging terrain that any conventional HiLux could handle.
Range and Charging
WLTP range: 400 km (per vehicle data). Real-world estimate for mixed fleet operations: 280–360 km depending on terrain, load, and 4WD system engagement. Off-road use with 4WD low reduces range substantially. Regional highway driving with light load: approximately 330–370 km.
DC fast charging: 80 kW (per vehicle data). 10–80%: approximately 42–50 minutes. AC: 7 kW. Overnight charge from empty at 7 kW: approximately 11 hours. For regional operations, DC charger availability varies significantly - Tembo’s range recommendation is built around depot charging with DC as a backup.
Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (77 / 400) × 100 × 0.30 = $5.78/100 km - still substantially lower than a diesel HiLux even accounting for the efficiency penalty of the 4WD system.
Interior and Technology
The Tusker 4WD retains the Toyota HiLux interior in full. The current-generation HiLux features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and physical controls throughout. Tembo conversion instrumentation adds EV-specific range and battery status displays.
The 4WD system’s control - low range, diff lock if equipped - uses the standard HiLux selector and switches, meaning drivers transitioning from a diesel HiLux will find the controls familiar.
Practicality
Five seats. Dual-cab configuration with full HiLux tray compatibility for canopies, toolboxes, and existing fleet equipment. Payload: approximately 900 kg (GVM confirmation with Tembo recommended, as the battery conversion affects the weight budget). Towing: 3,000 kg braked.
V2L: not available (per vehicle data). The 4WD variant’s higher ground clearance and approach angles make it suitable for unsealed and rough terrain that the 2WD cannot access.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense standard from the HiLux platform: Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam. All structural safety features of the HiLux - chassis rigidity, airbag deployment system, crumple zones - are unchanged by the Tembo conversion.
Running Costs and Ownership
Running cost: approximately $5.78/100 km at $0.30/kWh. Diesel HiLux benchmark at $1.80/L and 10–12 L/100 km: $18–21/100 km. The fuel saving over the life of a high-utilisation fleet vehicle is substantial.
Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km for the Tembo EV drivetrain. Toyota warranty covers the HiLux chassis and body components. The split warranty structure requires clear documentation of which components fall under which warranty at time of purchase and service.
Verdict
The Tusker 4WD is the regional and off-road fleet electrification choice for operators who need the HiLux’s capability alongside EV running costs. The larger battery and 4WD make it the more complete Tembo for diverse Australian operating environments - from metropolitan construction sites to remote mining support roads.
The $8,000 premium over the 2WD variant buys meaningfully more range and genuine all-terrain capability. For fleet operators whose vehicles operate in mixed environments, the 4WD’s flexibility justifies the additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 4WD system work in the Tusker?
The Tusker 4WD retains the Toyota HiLux’s 4WD system unchanged - the electric motor drives the same drivetrain that the diesel powertrain previously drove. Low-range capability and diff-lock (where fitted in the base vehicle) are preserved. The 4WD system is operated the same way as in any HiLux.
How does range compare between the 4WD and 2WD Tusker?
The 77 kWh 4WD has approximately 50 km more range than the 65 kWh 2WD (400 vs 350 km WLTP). The 4WD system’s additional weight and drivetrain losses mean the efficiency advantage of the larger battery is partially offset, but the 4WD variant still achieves meaningfully more range overall.
Is the Tusker suitable for towing in regional areas?
Yes. The 3,000 kg braked towing capacity is the same as the diesel HiLux. However, towing in regional areas with limited DC charging infrastructure requires careful route planning. The Tusker is most practical for towing applications that begin and end at a charged depot.
