Toyota Patents Showcase Potential PHEV Pickup Truck Layouts

The brand seems to be considering batteries under the bed, under the back seat, or nestled between the two for a plug-in hybrid pickup.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Toyota has filed several patents that showcase different potential layouts for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of its pickup trucks, such as the Tacoma and Tundra. The patents demonstrate various battery packaging options, including placing batteries under the truck bed, under the rear seats, or in a combination of those locations.

Why it matters

As the U.S. market leader in hybrids, Toyota's move into PHEV pickups could be a significant development for the brand and the broader pickup truck market. A PHEV pickup from Toyota would be the first of its kind in the U.S., potentially offering consumers a more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly option in the popular truck segment.

The details

The patents, first noted by CarBuzz, show six different configurations for a PHEV pickup's battery placement. Options include putting the batteries under the truck bed, under the rear seats, or a combination of the two locations. One more extreme layout even places all the batteries under the bed itself. These patent filings indicate Toyota is actively exploring ways to package a PHEV powertrain in a pickup truck.

  • The patents were published on March 5, 2026.

The players

Toyota

A major Japanese automaker that is the U.S. market leader in hybrid vehicles. Toyota is considering developing a plug-in hybrid electric pickup truck.

Tacoma

Toyota's midsize pickup truck that could potentially be offered in a PHEV variant.

Tundra

Toyota's full-size pickup truck that could potentially be offered in a PHEV variant.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As with all patents filed by automakers, these ideas are not necessarily locks to make their way into a production-ready car in the near future. However, it's still interesting to see a public record of proof that Toyota is weighing a few different options to package a plug-in pick-up.”

— Fred Smith, Motorsports Editor (roadandtrack.com)

The takeaway

Toyota's exploration of PHEV pickup truck layouts signals the company's intent to bring electrified powertrains to the popular truck segment, potentially offering consumers a more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly option in the future.