Currently reading: Toyota to ramp up EV plans with six global models

Japanese firm accelerates electrification programme, aims to work with partners to rapidly develop line-up

Toyota will ramp up development of battery-electric vehicles, with plans to launch at least 10 models worldwide from 2020 onwards - including six global models based on its new e-TNGA platform.

The Japanese firm has brought forward the goal for electrified vehicles to make up half of global sales from 2030 to 2025, in part as a response to the accelerated take-up of such vehicles. As part of that plan, Toyota is aiming to sell at least one million EV or hydrogen-powered vehicles, along with 4.5 million hybrids – a technology the firm has long been a pioneer in.

Toyota’s electric vehicle programme will start next year, when the firm will launch electric versions of the Toyota C-HR and sister Izoa in China, alongside a Japan-only two-seat city car. The latter model will have a top speed of 37mph, and will be followed by other ultra-compact cars and scooters.

Toyota is also planning to develop at least six variations of global model, including the results of recently announced collaborations with Suzuki and Subaru, based on an electric version of its TNGA platform.

Those vehicles will include the compact SUV it is developing with Suzuki, and the medium SUV it is working with Subaru on. Toyota will also develop a crossover, large SUV, saloon and MPV, some of which could also be developed with partners, according to the firm.

Toyota’s e-TNGA platform has been designed for flexibility, and can be used to produce cars in front and rear drive, with the motors on the front and rear axles respectively, or twin-motor four-wheel-drive models. As with other EV platforms, the batteries will be mounted under the floor.

Toyota has warned that the plans could be slowed by the ability to source enough batteries. It is working with a number of partners to source battery supply, including a new deal with Chinese company CATL.

The car maker has also warned that the push for electric vehicles could also hit its profitability.

Read more

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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fadyady 7 June 2019

Good on them

Thank God for allowing Toyota read the writing on the wall. Strange lethargy on the part of a company that has held major shares in Tesla - which is now "the car in front".
Boris9119 7 June 2019

Not so Sure Tesla is in Front....

Toyota 2018 full year profit $23 billion (Source:BBC.com) Tesla 2018 full year profits......................................................................................................................

wmb 7 June 2019

One of the pioneers for...

...the hybrid being so late to the EV movement, may be troublesome for a few, but reliably will not be one of its concerns with the vehicle(s) hit the market. But the complaint that Toyota is the the maker of automotive appliances now might be a little on the nose, When they do hit the road!  

xxxx 7 June 2019

Don't panic mr Maninwaring

Better late than never but how did a company so far ahead with a decent PHEV get so far behind in the BEV stakes, the answer I fear was the donkey Mirai