Toyota and Lexus are making big moves in the electric vehicle market, with the recent unveiling of five new EV models for the U.S. market. These new electric cars are set to hit dealerships in the fall and early next year, with two more models in the pipeline that will be U.S.-made and use locally sourced batteries.
The decision to focus on electric vehicles comes as Toyota aims to stay competitive and capitalize on the growing demand for EVs. The company is not only electrifying its popular models like the Camry and RAV4 by making them hybrid-only but also introducing multiple fully electric models in the coming years.
According to reports from Bloomberg, Toyota plans to launch seven new fully electric vehicles in the U.S. by 2027. Five of these models were showcased at the company’s North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, including the refreshed bZ, the new C-HR, the bZ Woodland, and two Lexus models – the updated RZ and the all-new ES sedan.
While details about the sixth and seventh models remain under wraps, rumors suggest that one of them could be a long-awaited three-row electric SUV, potentially the production version of the 2021 bZ Large SUV concept. The models that were revealed showcase promising features such as over 300 miles of range, strong performance, and advanced technology.
Toyota’s decision to produce two of the seven EV models in the U.S. with locally sourced batteries highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability and supporting the American economy. By offering a fully electric option in every major segment by 2027, Toyota aims to provide customers with a wide range of powertrain choices, including gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV options.
Despite the challenges in the EV manufacturing landscape, Toyota remains optimistic about the future of electric vehicles. The company’s multi-pathway approach reflects its strategy of offering a diverse range of powertrain options to meet the needs of different customers. With competition in the EV market heating up, Toyota is determined not to fall behind and is prepared to export vehicles to markets with strong demand if necessary.
As Tesla continues to dominate the U.S. EV market, Toyota’s push into electric vehicles signals its commitment to staying relevant and capturing a share of the growing market. With new models on the horizon and a focus on innovation and sustainability, Toyota and Lexus are poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle space. General Motors, Hyundai, and Kia are all making significant strides in expanding their electric vehicle lineups, particularly in the crossover and large family SUV segments that are popular among American consumers. However, Toyota is not willing to let them take the lead without a fight.
General Motors has been at the forefront of electric vehicle development with its successful Chevrolet Bolt EV and upcoming GMC Hummer EV. The company recently announced plans to introduce 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025, with a focus on crossovers and SUVs. One of the most anticipated models is the Cadillac Lyriq, a luxury electric SUV that promises to deliver on both style and performance.
Hyundai and Kia, both part of the same automotive group, have also been ramping up their EV efforts. Hyundai recently unveiled the Ioniq 5, a stylish crossover with retro-futuristic design elements that set it apart from the competition. Kia, on the other hand, is set to launch several electric crossovers and SUVs in the coming years, including the Kia EV6 and Kia EV9.
While these automakers are pushing forward with their electric vehicle plans, Toyota has been somewhat hesitant to fully commit to the EV market. The Japanese automaker has focused more on hybrid technology in the past, with successful models like the Toyota Prius leading the way. However, Toyota has recently announced plans to introduce seven new electric models in the US by 2025, including the highly anticipated Toyota bZ4X electric SUV.
Toyota’s entry into the electric SUV market is seen as a strategic move to compete with General Motors, Hyundai, and Kia in a segment that is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. The Toyota bZ4X promises to offer a blend of performance, range, and reliability that Toyota is known for, while also incorporating cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Overall, the competition in the electric crossover and SUV market is heating up, with General Motors, Hyundai, and Kia leading the charge and Toyota looking to make up ground. It will be interesting to see how these automakers continue to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology in the years to come.