The FTX concept of 2004 had a hybrid powerplant proposed

With the A-BAT, Toyota is showing off a hybrid pick-up which also represents a return to its compact pick-up roots. It was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota's research and design centre located in California. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that, as of now, is not available in the marketplace.

From the findings, the team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today's market.
 
Interestingly, the A-BAT rides on a unibody platform for car-like handling and smooth ride quality for highway trips and the everyday commute. This would be the first Toyota pick-up with a unibody, suggesting finally that Toyota will use such a platform before long. Honda has already been selling a pick-up in the US market for a couple of years which has a unibody platform.

The A-BAT's unique aerodynamic exterior integrates Toyota's design philosophy, "Vibrant Clarity" into the exterior by keeping the design forward-looking, crisp and functional. The concept's unique look is a combination of the large body surfaces, intersecting tight surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. The A-BAT's 19-inch wheels sit at the vehicle's corners creating a tough and ready stance.

The 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius has been applied to create an entirely new truck image and further enhanced by placing the cab forward, and using ‘fast angle’ A and C-pillars, shortened overhangs, and a sleek front window.

As inspiration, the designers chose the image of a NATO all-terrain military truck which kept the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity in this compact package. 

The A-BAT has a 4-foot (1219 mm) bed  but has more flexibility than the standard pickup truck. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow for tall cargo in the cab. When the pass-through midgate is folded down into the cab the bed lengthens an additional two feet (600 mm). An open tailgate provides additional bed length. The A-BAT offers customers the versatility of hauling a standard sheet of plywood one day, then taking a family on a camping trip to the lake the next.

Unusual dashboard has solar panels on top. Inset is a close-up of the meter layout and design

Cargo bed can extend into the cabin

The bed has features perfect for work and play. These include tailgate lighting for illuminating the load in the bed, a first aid kit and flashlight integrated  into the tailgate, sliding tie downs, and an AC power outlet. Items such as  sports and leisure equipment can be stored in the lockable drawers in the bed  walls. The concept also has additional storage that is accessible through sliding doors conveniently placed in and outside of the truck bed. For even more storage capacity the A-BAT comes with a large sliding drawer beneath the bed, accessible without opening the tailgate.
 
Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior. "We balanced colours and fabrics that were both bright and vibrant, but also captured an urban-rugged feel with their energetic and geometric qualities," said Alan Schneider, Project Chief Designer.
 
"The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames," added Daryl Harris, Senior Creative Designer. "We applied lightweight construction materials, such as carbonfibre and aluminium, to the instrument panel, console and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass."

The rigid, yet sculptured alloy centre console runs between the two front seats  and houses a portable power pack. The battery pack offers both AC and DC for a wide variety of applications including powering tools, electrical gear while  camping, a laptop computer, small appliances or assisting a vehicle jump start.

The door trim, shoulder, armrest and instrument panel pads and seat cushions are made of a tough, lightweight and comfortable material that can be selected for personalization. In addition the colours are coordinated to enhance the sleek interior environment. The centre console and door pockets feature carbonfibre  components to complete the durable and modern look.
 
The 4-passenger A-BAT offers numerous seating and storage configurations. In addition to the rear seats folding down with the midgate to extend the cargo  bed length, the rear seat cushions can retract beneath the cargo bed to increase  rear cab cargo flexibility. A removable storage tray beneath the rear seat offers tie-downs and organizing compartments to secure loose cargo.
 
Inside the A-BAT has a retractable portable navigation unit with a 7-inch  diagonal screen and wifi. Other advanced features include a port for portable device assistant synchronization and a hard drive for digital music. Both the driver and front passenger have a large multi-information display screens on the dashboard to view the status of their high tech gadgets and HVAC and audio settings. Solar panels on the dashboard recapture energy from the sun to assist in the  charging of the navigation unit, portable power pack and backlit information  displays.

The hybrid powerplant under the bonnet is not described in much detail other than that it is a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (used in Toyota’s production hybrid models) which has a 4-cylinder petrol engine. However, if it uses the one in the Highlander Hybrid (the world’s first hybrid 7-seater SUV), then it would be a 3.3-litre V6 with a large-capacity battery that delivers nearly double the power of the battery in the Prius.

The exterior design of the A-BAT may be a bit too advanced right now (and Calty has past experience with pushing designs too advanced and facing consumer resistance, eg the first Estima/Previa) but it is probably very likely that what’s under the skin will go into production in a couple of years.