At a recent press conference held by Toyota, the company’s Executive Vice President, Hiroki Nakajima, took to the stage to reveal their updated electric vehicle (EV) strategy, which has been put in place under new management. The announcement detailed Toyota’s plans to release 10 new EVs by 2026, a significant milestone in the automaker’s history. By that year, Toyota projects that it will be able to sell a staggering 1.5 million cars, all without the need for a traditional combustion engine.
For years, Toyota had expressed its reluctance towards fully embracing EVs, but the company’s new leadership team has taken a different approach. With a renewed focus on sustainability and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Toyota is now fully committed to the EV market. The Japanese automaker’s decision to shift its focus towards more eco-friendly alternatives is not only a reflection of changing consumer preferences but also a reflection of the company’s long-term vision for the future of the automotive industry.
In the year 2026, a groundbreaking family of electric vehicles (EVs) is set to make its debut. According to Toyota, this new line of zero-emission automobiles will be “entirely different” from any that we have seen before. With the incorporation of batteries featuring “far greater efficiency”, the upcoming next-generation EVs are expected to double their driving range, thus, revolutionizing the electric car market. These highly anticipated models promise to not only offer superior performance but also boast a new design language that will “set hearts racing”.
As Hiroki Nakajima expounded upon the imminent arrival of the next generation of electric vehicles, a curious sight manifested itself in the periphery – the enigmatic side profile of an unfamiliar vehicle. This particular specimen bore a Lexus insignia, prominently emblazoned upon its C-pillar, and presented an intriguing silhouette of a sleek, swoopy liftback, sporting sharp, angular styling and augmented with sophisticated side-mounted cameras. It is noteworthy to mention that while Toyota’s luxury division tantalized the masses with a sneak peek of their upcoming electric vehicle lineup in late 2021, the aforementioned vehicle was not among the prototypes.
To bring the EV vision to fruition, Toyota is creating an “All in One Team” that will take charge of everything from development to production and commercialization. In addition, Toyota unveiled its latest operating system, known as Arene, which will support over-the-air updates for next-generation EVs. With this operating system, Toyota aims to give owners the ability to customize the “ride feel” of their vehicles.
During the unveiling, Hiroki Nakajima expressed his enthusiasm for the new models, stating that they will provide a more enjoyable driving experience.
Yoichi Miyazaki, the Executive Vice President of Toyota, unveiled the company’s updated EV product roadmap. The roadmap is poised to bring forth an exciting range of electric vehicles that are sure to satisfy the ever-evolving needs of customers.
One of the key highlights of the roadmap is the introduction of a three-row SUV that is set to hit the United States market by 2025. The vehicle will be locally assembled and will feature cutting-edge batteries from North Carolina. The move is expected to be a significant step towards Toyota’s goal of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
China is also set to receive its fair share of EVs in 2024, with two new models slated to hit the market. Meanwhile, developed countries can look forward to an expanded bZ lineup that will cater to a broader range of preferences and needs.
For emerging markets, Toyota is planning to introduce an electric pickup truck that is expected to be a game-changer in the industry. Along with the truck, a compact model is also set to be launched before the end of the year.
Source and Images: Motor1