The Australian-made electric Toyota HiLux project has been scrapped.

An ambitious endeavor to create an electric Toyota HiLux in Australia has hit a roadblock due to insufficient funding. The startup company ROEV, specializing in electric vehicles and software, had been working on the project for over two years but had to cancel its plans as it couldn't secure the $5 million needed for full-scale production. Despite garnering interest from mining companies and solid orders for the electric HiLux, ROEV was unable to raise the necessary funds to move forward.

As a result, the company is shifting gears towards software development to capitalize on the programs it had created to assist potential HiLux buyers with fleet management. CEO of ROEV, Noah Wasmer, expressed disappointment over the project's cancellation but emphasized the growing demand for electric utility vehicles. He believes that there will be a cost-effective and efficient way to convert vehicles to electric power in the future and hopes that ROEV played a role in driving these solutions to the market.

Although the HiLux project faced setbacks, ROEV remains optimistic about its future. Despite job cuts related to the project and a relocation from Queensland to Sydney, the company is still focused on its mission of promoting sustainable transportation solutions. During its development phase, ROEV successfully built a pair of HiLux prototypes and completed four electric vehicle conversions.

However, the company found its greatest success in software development. Their tools have helped identify opportunities for reducing CO2 emissions, electrification, and optimizing energy management for fleets of vehicles. By providing valuable insights and data-driven solutions, ROEV aims to demonstrate that emissions can be reduced, and costs can be saved through the adoption of sustainable transportation practices.

Despite the challenges faced, the company remains dedicated to pursuing its mission of creating a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective future for transportation.