Vizion-F Concept is Daihatsu's take on an electric Lite Ace

Earlier this year, Toyota Motor Philippines officially resurrected the Lite Ace name in the form of the Daihatsu Gran Max. That's right, the Lite Ace we currently get is actually based on a Daihatsu and is available in various configurations and body styles. Even the engine it gets is actually derived from the previous generation Avanza.

From a panel van, shuttle passenger van, light cargo van, and mini pickup truck, the Gran Max (AKA Lite Ace) can wear many hats. Unfortunately, it's already quite old as the Daihatsu vehicle was first released way back in 2007. That means it's only just a few years away from celebrating its 18th birthday.

Daihatsu is looking to give the commercial vehicle a full model change. But that, they tease us with  a concept version showing a sleeker and more high-tech version of the Gran Max. In addition, the company plans to make it available as an electric vehicle (EV).

Say hello to the Daihatsu Vizion-F and it's quite the dashing concept. Designed to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality, the Vizion-F has an electric powertrain aimed at showing the many possibilities of a light commercial vehicle (LCV) running on pure electricity.

Its overall look and design are quite reminiscent of the Hyundai Staria with its sleek shape, flush door handles, and futuristic appearance. It also has slim LED headlights, blacked-out A-pillars, and a unique set of alloy wheels that somehow remind us of the wheels from a Nissan Vanette. The grille at the front has been closed off but that's to be expected given the concept's EV nature.

As for its electric powertrain, it will reportedly have a single electric motor making 48 PS and has a battery capacity rated at 28 kWh. On a full charge, the Vizion-F has an estimated range of around 200 km which puts it squarely against the likes of the Mitsubishi MiEV which is slated for local production soon for the Indonesian market and (hopefully) the rest of ASEAN as well.

While the Vizion-F means that an all-electric version of the next-generation Gran Max is a possibility, we won't be surprised if the all-new LCV will still come with internal combustion engines (ICE) for developing markets. Here's to hoping we'll get a new Toyota Lite Ace based on the Daihatsu Vizion-F concept.