Toyota A-BAT Concept based Scion pickup due 2014

Posted: Aug 01, 2011
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Toyota A-BAT Concept

The compact pickup truck segment has slowly been dying off. However, it seems Toyota may be working to reinvigorate the unique segment. Rumor has it with some photos bouncing around that Toyota may introduce a small-truck through the Scion brand for the 2014 model year.

It would most likely be based off of the 2008 Toyota Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck Concept that debuted in 2008. Called the A-BAT for short, the concept featured a hybrid powertrain, one that’s similar to other hybrid powertrains currently offered.

However, the last report that we heard said that Toyota axed the idea due to market uncertainties. But just recently, Scion’s vice president Jack Hollis held onto his hope for the A-BAT and is reconsidering it for production.

“Scion is about innovation and doing things differently, Hollis said. “That’s why if we were ever to do something crazy, it would likely be more like a ‘Surprise Utility Vehicle’ rather than a basic pickup truck.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: PickupTrucks.com


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  • Jacob Jones

    Can we just get a simple and durable truck like from the late 80s? I don’t care about hybrids or mileage.

  • http://profiles.google.com/cyberpine CyberPine Educational Media

    I really like the design and functionality of the midgate and under bed storage..  But I would NOT buy a battery pack -electric motor type hybrid truck.   However, I have no issue with Cylinder deactionation and Htydraulic or Flywheel Kinetic Brake recovery if they can figure it out already.

  • Scottie

    I have wanted the Toyota abat ever since I first saw it in 2008.  It is an amazing concept that would allow me to get good gas mileage to work every day, and still allow me to bring home plywood to work on my house or other projects.  I will not need two cars, or a trailer.

    I really hope this truck is built, but the feature that makes this truck awesome is the midgate and the ability to haul a sheet of plywood.  Then the great gas mileage and ability to carry 4 people when the midgate is up is icing on the cake.  

    If this truck goes into production as a toyota or scion, it should definitely be able to haul the 4×8 sheet of plywood flat in the bed.  That is what I have been looking for and can’t find without having awful gas mileage.

    Please, please, please build this truck for all the do it yourselfers out there.

  • Scottie

    I have wanted the Toyota abat ever since I first saw it in 2008.  It is an amazing concept that would allow me to get good gas mileage to work every day, and still allow me to bring home plywood to work on my house or other projects.  I will not need two cars, or a trailer.

    I really hope this truck is built, but the feature that makes this truck awesome is the midgate and the ability to haul a sheet of plywood.  Then the great gas mileage and ability to carry 4 people when the midgate is up is icing on the cake.  

    If this truck goes into production as a toyota or scion, it should definitely be able to haul the 4×8 sheet of plywood flat in the bed.  That is what I have been looking for and can’t find without having awful gas mileage.

    Please, please, please build this truck for all the do it yourselfers out there.

  • UTE user

    Can’t agree more with Scottie. I had been waiting for it since 2008.
    It is the midgate concept in compact truck that meet my need. Chevy Avalanche is simply too big, too heavy, too expensive & bad gas mileage. But I do like Avalanche’s build in removable hard cover. ABAT should consider it.

    Hybrid is nice, but usually it drive up the cost, making it not so economic. But with all this features, I can see myself keeping this truck for 10 plus years. Any price premium should be well paid off. Let just hope the battery is more advance & last longer in 2014.

    Let hope Scion is really as innovative as they said they are.

  • dickebird

    Aw, come on Toyota! Get the thing into production! I have two vehicles now. One is a full-sized half ton. I could have the best of both worlds and use the ABAT all year round. As for the hybrid aspect, why bother. Get a direct injection engine happening and a six-speed transmission and there won’t be any need for a hybrid.

    I love this vehicle. Reading comments on other sites from yokels with gas guzzling half tons, like mine, heartens me. I don’t want to see a group of idiots driving this vehicle.  

  • Marciacc73

    Go toyota go