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  • Toyota leverages Lexus for EV push with “Ajimigaki” approach

    Toyota leverages Lexus for EV push with “Ajimigaki” approach

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota plans to leverage its luxury brand Lexus to spearhead its electric vehicle push under the new “ajimigaki” strategy.

    Lexus to spearhead Toyota’s EV transition

    Lexus is poised to lead Toyota’s electrification plans with the new “ajimigaki” approach, according to Automotive News Europe.

    Toyota launched its new research and development facility in Toyota City, Japan, in late March 2024. This new R&D center will help the company propel vehicle development as it seeks to produce “ever-better” offerings by adopting the latest tech and tools.

    While the new  Shimoyama Research and Development Center is not really a production plant, it will serve as a business and development hub for Lexus and GR models.

    The site includes a three-floor Lexus complex that consists of twin towers, serving as Lexus’ new home. Toyota expects the facility to accelerate tech development and spearhead the Lexus brand’s shift to electric vehicles with the “look and feel of a pit at the Nürburgring.”

    The high-tech HQ will enable Lexus to design, develop, engineer, prototype, and test cars under one roof for the first time. Toyota plans to employ  “cutting-edge digital equipment” to accelerate EV development and production.

    During the Shimoyama Research and Development Center’s opening ceremony, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda disclosed that approximately 3,000 people will “drive, break, and improve cars” in the facility.

    “The more we drive and break cars, the ever-better they become.”

    Toyota

    The Ajimigaki strategy

    Per Google Translate, “Ajimigaki” means “taste refinement” in English. While refining the brand is exactly what Lexus aims to do, the Japanese term has a deeper meaning internally.

    During an exclusive tour of the site, Toyota’s Global Design Chief Simon Humphries told the industry publication that the facility would significantly revolutionize how Lexus manufactures cars.

    At the same time, it will also help Lexus speed up its electrification push by enabling it to conduct standalone operations. In effect, the luxury brand will gain a competitive advantage over Japanese rivals like Acura and Infiniti. In contrast, these brands mix operations with their parent companies, Honda and Nissan, respectively.

    “With the amount of projects we have underway, being able to have all this together in one place is extremely important. All the tools are there for the creative process.”

    Toyota’s Global Design Chief Simon Humphries

    Toyota aims to utilize the facility to revitalize the luxury brand through the ajimigaki strategy. By accessing “all the tools” for the creative process in a single facility, Lexus can substantially accelerate its electrification after falling behind early.

    Notably, Toyota’s next-gen electric vehicle platform will launch with Lexus models in 2026. The luxury brand showcased two car concepts, including the LF-ZC and LF-ZL, at the 2023 Japan Auto Show. The production models of these concepts are expected to ride on the new platform.

    While the  Lexus campus is just a part of the enormous Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, it will still have a crucial role in Toyota’s electric future. Lexus aims to roll out an electrified option for all of its models by 2030. After five years, it expects to become an all-electric brand.

  • Toyota to invest in new battery plant to counter rising Chinese EV threat

    Toyota to invest in new battery plant to counter rising Chinese EV threat

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota Motor is exploring a potential new electric vehicle battery factory on Japan’s “Silicon Island” to remain competitive against the surge of China-made EVs, particularly from BYD.

    Toyota accelerates EV push with new battery plant

    Toyota plans to establish a new battery factory for electric vehicles in Kyushu, also known as the “Silicon Island” in Japan, according to Nikkei.

    The site houses several automotive and semiconductor factories, making it worthy of its nickname. In fact, Tesla supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) just launched its second factory in Silicon Island.

    The move is crucial to Toyota’s plans to solidify its electric vehicle supply chain, potentially enabling it to catch up to Chinese rivals in Asia.

    Plan details

    Toyota reportedly plans to make Kyushu,  the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, a central part of its electric vehicle supply chain and an export base to the Asian region.

    Toyota will buy land at an industrial park, which the Fukuoka prefectural government is currently building. The site is apparently just 40 kilometers away from Toyota’s existing Miyata plant for Lexus cars. This vehicle plant currently has an annual production capacity of 430,000 units, with exports accounting for 90% of the total.

    Toyota, through its battery unit Primearth EV Energy, will manage the new Japanese factory. The company expects the new battery facility to serve as the main supplier to the Miyata plant.

    The Japanese automotive giant expects the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to subsidize the planned battery factory under the Economic Security Promotion Act.

    Fending off Chinese rivals

    Toyota has undoubtedly been one of the biggest laggards in electric vehicle adoption, primarily due to its strong preference for hybrid technology.

    Now, the Japanese automaker seems to have acknowledged that it needs to catch up in the EV race to remain competitive in the rapidly growing market amid the surge of China-made EVs in Asia.

    In fact, the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA) revealed that Chinese EV imports contributed almost 10% of all vehicles shipped into the domestic market in H1 2024. This rate can further increase, especially as Chinese giant BYD has now rolled out three low-cost EV models in the Japanese market.

    This possibility is a major threat to the current dominance of Toyota and other domestic automakers in the domestic market. These considered, it is unsurprising that Toyota is now aiming to counter BYD’s appeal with its planned new battery factory in Kyushu.

    Toyota has yet to announce more specific details about the Kyushu battery plant’s construction schedule and investment. One thing is for sure: the battery facility’s strategic location can enable Toyota to evade unnecessary shipping expenditures and critical time in its Miyata EV plant.

  • Toyota joins North American EV charging network Ionna

    Toyota joins North American EV charging network Ionna

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota officially joined the early seven OEMs to solidify the new North American electric vehicle charging network Ionna.

    Ionna gains Toyota as investor and founding partner

    According to the press release, Toyota Motor North America is now the latest investor and founding partner of Tesla Supercharger network rival Ionna.

    Toyota’s move to support establishing Ionna’s high-powered charging network for all-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the region is part of its efforts to catch up in the highly competitive industry.

    As part of the agreement, Toyota and Lexus EV owners will gain access to the tremendous public DC fast charger network Ionna plans to start installing later in 2024.

    “We are excited to announce our support of IONNA to deploy DC fast chargers throughout the US and Canada. We believe this will not only promote the adoption of BEVs and increase customer confidence in the technology, but it will provide our Toyota and Lexus customers with access to IONNA’s rapidly growing charging network in North America.”

    Ted Ogawa, Toyota Motor North America President and CEO

    Deployment plans

    Ionna set a target to deploy at least 30,000 DC fast-charging ports in North America by the end of the decade. Excitingly, Ionna will not only offer EV charging but also amenities and convenience features to deliver a “holistic customer experience.”

    As mentioned, it will begin the installation of these EV chargers as early as this year. It will continue the deployment of additional charging stations throughout the decade.

    Ionna also confirmed that the charging network will offer both North American Charging System (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) plugs to support all BEV drivers.

    About Ionna

    Toyota is the newest member of the new Ionna charging network, which originally consisted of the following major OEMs:  BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis.

    Ionna primarily aims to “lead, innovate, create, and drive forward” a groundbreaking electric vehicle charging solution and offer “an end-to-end integrated” customer experience. Through this, Ionna seeks to challenge the dominance of Tesla’s enormous Supercharging network.

    Ionna will also aid its eight founding OEMs in staying competitive against Tesla EVs, which benefit from the Musk-led company’s Superchargers.

  • Toyota xEV sales surged 63% YoY to nearly 248K units in Q2 2024

    Toyota xEV sales surged 63% YoY to nearly 248K units in Q2 2024

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota’s electrified vehicle (xEV) sales, including battery-electrics, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and fuel-cell electric vehicles, surged 63% year-over-year to nearly 250,000 units in the US in Q2 2024.

    Toyota electrified vehicle sales – Q2 2024

    Toyota Motor North America sold a total of 247,347 xEVs in the US market in the second quarter of 2024, according to the press release.  

    This figure accounted for almost 40% of its overall vehicle sales. It must also be noted that the results include both the Toyota and Lexus brands. Refer to the table below:

    BrandSalesYoY ChangeShare
    Toyota215,410up 68%40.4%
    Lexus31,937up 35%36%
    Total247,347up 63%39.8%

    “The first half of 2024 surpassed our high expectations thanks to our teams’ continued focus on customers with even more great products, including electrified vehicles. Lexus recorded its best-ever first half in its 35-year history, Toyota remains the number one retail brand in the industry, and our diverse portfolio of 29 electrified vehicle options between the Toyota and Lexus brands made up nearly 40 percent of our total sales volume through June.”

    Jack Hollis, TMNA Sales Executive VP

    Plug-in car sales – Q2 2024

    As for the plug-in vehicle sales alone, Toyota’s EVs and PHEVs figures surged by a whopping 112% YoY to 24,266 units in Q2 2024. These accounted for 3.9% of the company’s overall volume, indicating a notable increase from just 2% in the prior year.

    Plug-in vehicles are the fastest-growing segment in the Japanese automaker’s sales breakdown:

    BrandTypeSalesChangeShare
    ToyotaPlug-Ins17,589+91%3.3%
    BEVs7,571+286%1.4%
    PHEVs10,018+39%1.9%
    LexusPlug-Ins6,677+194%7.5%
    BEVs4,036+333%4.5%
    PHEVs2,641+97%3.0%
    TotalPlug-Ins24,266+112%3.9%
    BEVs11,607+301%1.9%
    PHEVs12,659+48%2.0%
     Toyota FCEVs73-93%0.0%

    Plug-in car sales – YTD

    Presented below are Toyotas plug-in car sales in the US as of Q2 2024:

    BrandTypeSalesChangeShare
    ToyotaPlug-ins31,160+80%3.1%
    BEVs9,468+159%0.9%
    PHEVs21,692+59%2.1%
    LexusPlug-ins10,938+220%6.5%
    BEVs5,639+405%3.4%
    PHEVs5,299+131%3.2%
    TotalPlug-ins42,098+103%3.5%
    BEVs15,107+216%1.3%
    PHEVs26,991+69%2.3%
    Toyota FCEVs245-86%0.0%

    In hindsight, Toyota’s plug-in electric vehicle sales reached a total of 54,266 units in the US last year. These accounted for around 2.4% of the company’s overall volume, with BEVs contributing 14,715 units.

    Top selling models – Q2 2024

    Here are the most popular plug-in vehicle models in Toyota Motor North America’s lineup in Q2 2024:

    ModelSalesChange
    Toyota bZ4X7,571+286%
    Toyota Prius Prime711-57%
    Toyota RAV4 Prime9,307+68%
    Lexus NX 450h+1,727+29%
    Lexus RZ4,036+333%
    Lexus RX PHEV702New
    Lexus TX PHEV212New
    * The hydrogen Toyota Mirai sold 73 units (down 93%)

    Top selling models – YTD

    As expected, the Toyota bZ4X remained the top-selling model in TMNA’s lineup in the first six months of the year:

    ModelSalesChange
    Toyota bZ4X9,468+159%
    Toyota Prius Prime4,618+73%
    Toyota RAV4 Prime17,074+56%
    Lexus NX 450h+3,135+36%
    Lexus RZ5,639+405%
    Lexus RX PHEV1,784New
    Lexus TX PHEV380New
    * The hydrogen Toyota Mirai sold 245 units (down 86%).

    It is indeed good news that Toyota’s plug-in vehicle sales are surging this year, especially since it remains committed to hybrids instead of going all-in on electric cars. It will be fascinating to see how they compete in this rapidly growing electric vehicle market in the coming years amid the influx of low-cost Chinese EVs and new models from both legacy and startup EV players.

  • Toyota eyes Tesla-like incentives for proposed new EV factory in Shanghai

    Toyota eyes Tesla-like incentives for proposed new EV factory in Shanghai

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota mulls establishing a new electric vehicle factory in Shanghai as it seeks to benefit from a “Tesla-like” treatment in the world’s largest automotive market.

    Negotiation details

    Toyota is currently in talks with Shanghai government officials about its proposal to build a new electric vehicle factory in the same city where Tesla is producing its China-made models, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

    The Japanese automaker is reportedly seeking treatment similar to what the Shanghai government gave the Musk-led company, particularly regarding tax breaks, policy support, and land grants.

    It also includes the distinctive ability to own local production plants in the world’s largest auto market, even without partnering with a local company.

    Toyota plans to primarily use the proposed factory to produce electric vehicle models under its luxury Lexus brand in China.

    Uncertainty

    Shanghai officials are undoubtedly very welcoming to investments from major companies across the world. However, it may need central government approval before making a final decision.

    Therefore, the discussions are far from the final phase of the negotiation process and could still change.

    If approved, Toyota’s planned EV factory could potentially accelerate Lexus’ entry into the burgeoning Chinese market.

    It could also disrupt the highly competitive market, further intensifying competition against Tesla.

    Toyota’s footprint in China

    Toyota remains the leading automaker globally. However, it continues to record sales decline in the Chinese market amid the shift to electric vehicles.

    Toyota already has several joint ventures with Chinese players, including GAC Group and FAW Group.

    GAC Toyota’s retail sales declined 14.8% year-on-year to 292,377 vehicles in January-May 2024, China Passenger Car Association’s (CPCA) data revealed. This figure placed GAC Toyota in seventh spot among the top 10 automakers in the Chinese market, holding a 3.6% share. Unfortunately, FAW Toyota did not enter the ranking in the said period.

    With the proposed local electric vehicle factory, Toyota could potentially benefit from government incentives to boost the competitiveness of its products. It can also help accelerate its production, which can enable it to fulfill the growing demand for clean energy vehicles in China.

    In separate news, GAC Toyota will partner with Momenta to develop an intelligent driving system using end-to-end technology. The innovation will first arrive through Toyota’s bZ3X model.

  • Toyota taps local tech: Momenta’s ADAS to power Toyota vehicles in China

    Toyota taps local tech: Momenta’s ADAS to power Toyota vehicles in China

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota, through its  Chinese joint venture GAC Toyota, has just teamed up with local startup Momenta for driver assistance technology in China.

    Toyota partners with Momenta for driver assistance tech  

    GAC Toyota and Momenta have established a “full-scenario” smart driving solution that can apparently operate on any road, CnEVPost reports, citing the company’s Weibo post.

    Toyota’s bZ3X electric crossover will be the first model to adapt Momenta’s smart driving solution in China. According to GAC Toyota, it can operate on city roads, highways, and parking environments.

    GAC Toyota omitted from sharing more specific information about the partnership. However, it hints that more details will emerge on the upcoming GAC Toyota Technology Open Day on Friday.

    Brief background

    Toyota’s other venture in China, FAW Toyota, officially launched the 2024 bZ3 in the local market on January 29. It has a base price of RMB 169,800  ($23,400).  

    For context, bZ3 is the second model in Toyota’s bZ portfolio after the bZ4X SUV.

    Chinese media Tencent News cited people familiar with the matter on April 7, saying that Toyota’s global models will adopt a solution with Huawei and Momenta’s help.

    Momenta would reportedly offer software, while Huawei will provide hardware solutions. However, GAC Toyota’s recently released poster did not mention Huawei.

    Potential benefits

    Similar to most driver assistance technologies, Momenta’s smart driving solution can potentially improve safety and lower the risk of accidents on China’s busy roads.

    In addition, Momenta can aid GAC Toyota in developing driver-assistance features specifically tailored to China’s driving conditions and regulations.

    Momenta boasts expertise in camera-based perception and high-definition (HD) mapping. By offering these technologies, Toyota EVs in the Chinese market could benefit from more accurate and robust driver-assistance systems.

  • Lexus charging network expands to all EVs in Japan, following Tesla’s strategy

    Lexus charging network expands to all EVs in Japan, following Tesla’s strategy

    Toyota-owned luxury brand Lexus has just taken a page from Tesla’s book as it welcomes other electric vehicle models to its charging network in Japan, according to The Japan News.

    Lexus stations now welcome other EVs in Japan

    Toyota reportedly announced that Lexus’ charging stations are now available to other electric vehicle models in Japan.

    Lexus drivers used to have exclusive access to its charging stations. They could reserve their spot through the My Lexus mobile app up to 60 days in advance. The app automatically handles payments, enabling a seamless charging experience like Tesla Superchargers.

    However, Lexus’ charging stations offer major benefits, such as free drinks, workspace, and discounts on nearby services.

    The opening of Lexus’ charging stations to non-Lexus cars makes them accessible to all electric vehicle drivers who need to charge on 150kW max fast chargers. 

    Limited network currently, but expansion planned

    Lexus launched its inaugural “rapid charging station” in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya last June, initiating the Lexus Electrified Program.

    It then opened its second charging station at Karuiza Common Grounds in December last year.  

    In comparison, Tesla Superchargers currently has more than 15,000 stalls in the US and Canada and over 50,000 worldwide.

    While Lexus’ charging network is limited as of today, it aims to expand to about 100 new stations in Japan by 2030.

    Lexus’ current electric vehicle charging stations consist of fast chargers with a maximum output of 150 kW. Meanwhile, Tesla’s popular Superchargers can yield up to 250 kW peak charging rates. It previously confirmed that its V4 Supercharger will deliver a peak output of 350 kW. However, it is currently limited to 250 kW.

    Toyota’s EV adoption status

    Toyota, along with its Lexus brand, continues to lag behind the global adoption of electric vehicles.

    Despite the new leadership’s stronger electrification push, the Japanese automaker remains dedicated to its hybrid powertrain technology and gas-powered vehicles.

    In the first four months of the year, Toyota and Lexus’ global electric vehicle sales reached 46,033 units. This figure represents only 3.4% of Toyota’s cumulative car sales of 1.3 million units in the same period.

    Lexus’ move to accept other EVs in its charging stations demonstrates its commitment to contributing to the wider adoption of electric vehicles by alleviating the issues associated with the lack of charging infrastructure. While the network is currently limited compared to Tesla’s Superchargers, Lexus plans to expand to 100 stations by 2030.

  • Toyota US boss admits EV lag, vows to catch up in booming market

    Toyota US boss admits EV lag, vows to catch up in booming market

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota is “catching up” on the electric vehicle industry and new technologies after a very slow start, according to its North American leader.

    Toyota pledges commitment to EVs: New battery and manufacturing technologies

    Toyota has long been one of the top laggards in battery-electric vehicle adoption. It struggled with a very shaky start with the launch of its inaugural BEV offering, the bZ4X, in the US market. It even had to recall the electric SUV in 2022 due to the possibility of wheels falling off. 

    Such challenges made it difficult for the Japanese automaker to gain traction in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

    Now, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) Chief Executive Ted Ogawa claims that the company is starting to catch up with its stronger commitment and battery tech development initiatives.

    Manufacturing innovations

    The company executive revealed that Toyota headquarters is currently developing a “very exclusive factory” for electric vehicles. It will reportedly have innovative technologies new to the Japanese automaker. 

    In 2023, Toyota unveiled its next-gen production line with Tesla-pioneered Gigacast technology. For context, it is a process of high-pressure die-casting that injects molten aluminum into casting molds to make vehicle production easier, faster, and cheaper.

    It also expects other innovations like self-propelled assembly lines and robots to improve its production efficiency while minimizing defects.

    Battery tech development

    Toyota also presented new battery plans in the summer of last year, including two next-gen batteries due in 2027. 

    The first “Performance” battery will arrive with a more than 800 km (497 miles) range and a 20% cost reduction from the bZ4X. Meanwhile, the “Popularisation” version will have a more than 600 km (372 miles) range at 40% lower costs.

    Between 2027 and 2030, it aims to roll out a lineup of “further evolution” batteries. It includes the highly awaited solid-state batteries with more than 1,000 km (621 mi) driving range and 10-min fast charging capability.

    Ogawa acknowledges Tesla lead, pursues “Multipath” approach 

    TMNA CEO Ted Ogawa acknowledged that Toyota is behind American electric vehicle giant Tesla.

    Toyota’s vehicle sales exceed 2.2 million units in the US market in 2023. Of that total, only 9,329 units were battery-electric models. It represents just less than 0.5% of the total volume.

    The downward trend has pushed through in 2024. It only sold a total of 1,897 bZ4X units in the first quarter of the year. This figure accounts for less than 0.4% of the 486,000+ vehicle sales in the same period.

    CEO Ogawa said that the company is monitoring electric vehicle demand instead of regulations.

    “However, the BEV was our missing piece two years ago, so that’s why we were very much criticized.”

    TMNA CEO Ted Ogawa (via Automotive News)

    All that said, CEO Ogawa believes that “this is kind of the starting year of the real multipath way, like the hybrid, which we already have, and then plug-in, something between hybrid and BEV, and then BEV, which it is time to introduce to the market.”

    The Toyota boss also noted that the company is not the only one catching up in the EV space but also the “ecosystem surrounding the BEV area, such as the home charging or energy management.”

    Toyota has also announced several new investments in the US to boost local production, including the $1.4 billion in Indiana. The investment will primarily fund its plans to launch a new electric SUV model, which is different from the three-row electric vehicle model it aims to develop.

  • Toyota, Hexagon Purus partner on Tern Class 8 electric semi rollout

    Toyota, Hexagon Purus partner on Tern Class 8 electric semi rollout

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota Group, through its subsidiary Hino Trucks, partnered with Tier 1 supplier Hexagon Purus for the nationwide dealer rollout of the Tern Class 8 electric semi. According to the press release, Hino Trucks will be the exclusive distributor of the new model in the United States.

    Toyota electrifies the road with Tern e-trucks

    The new Tern brand of heavy-duty electric trucks is a joint venture between Toyota Group’s Hino Trucks and Hexagon Purus. It formally launched at the  Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo on May 20, 2024.

    https://twitter.com/GNA_Consulting/status/1792779627804381443

    The partners plan to deploy the brand’s inaugural model, the Tern RC8 electric semi, in the US market through Toyota Group’s Hino Trucks. The company will give the brand access to over 200 heavy truck dealers and their customers in the country.

    “Our collaboration with Hexagon Purus introduces a highly reliable Class 8, 4×2 tractor option into the electric truck market, catering to a wide range of applications. We are excited to be the exclusive distributor for Tern with an initial distribution focus in California, where fleet electrification is imperative.”

    Glenn Ellis, Hino Trucks President and CEO 

    According to the report, the new battery-electric Class 8 tractor utilizes Hexagon Purus’ years of zero-emission drivetrain development for such vehicles. In addition, it delivers a preferred option for fleet drivers electrifying their practical routes.

    Tern RC8 electric semi

    Tern’s RC8 electric semi rides on the US-assembled XL Series 4×2 chassis developed by Hino Trucks. It also boasts Hexagon Purus’ innovative zero-emission technology. Meanwhile, Panasonic Energy supplies the battery cells initially produced in Japan before relocating production to the De Soto factory in Kansas from 2026 onwards.

    Presented below are some of the key specifications of the new Tern RC8:

    • “A 100% battery-electric platform with an industry-leading short wheelbase of 165 inches
    • A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 68,000 lbs. targeting applications of approximately 200 miles in regional city duty cycles, addressing 95 percent of use cases
    • Dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269kWh battery packs in a 750-volt, 538 kWh configuration, providing substantial power and range for targeted duty cycles
    • Recharge rate of 241 kW
    • Peak/continuous horsepower of 680hp/494hp
    • Peak torque 38,350 ft/lbs”

    “Tern RC8 delivers the comfort, reliability and safety that drivers and fleets want, and it’s purpose-built to be a very practical truck for operators integrating zero-emission trucks into their fleets.” 

    Morten Holum, Hexagon Purus CEO  

    Serial production start

    The Tern RC8 electric semi undergoes production in Hexagon Purus’ new factory in Dallas, Texas. 

    The press release indicated that the new electric semi will start serial production in late 2024.

    The brand’s offerings will be exclusive through Hino’s dealer network, guaranteeing solid support and service.

    Notably, the Tern’s market launch aligns with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation. It offers fleets an enticing choice to decarbonize their supply chain, particularly in key areas such as metro-regional routes and food and beverage logistics.

  • Toyota starts Hilux electric pickup testing after BYD Shark launch

    Toyota starts Hilux electric pickup testing after BYD Shark launch

    Japanese legacy automaker Toyota is getting closer to launching its first electric pickup model, the Hilux BEV, following the arrival of the BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pickup.

    Toyota to produce its first e-pickup in 2025

    Toyota is now testing the all-electric counterpart of its iconic Hilux pickup truck, Reuters reported, citing an executive. After this, the Japanese company aims to start the Hilux BEV production in Thailand by the end of 2025.

    According to Toyota Motor Asia Executive Vice President Pras Ganesh, the company is currently evaluating the Hilux BEV’s performance in various conditions before starting production next year.

    Being one of the most popular pickup trucks worldwide, the Hilux is indeed the ideal model to join the electric vehicle race. Toyota has already launched the non-electric model in 180 countries and regions.

    After teasing an electric version for some time, Toyota now confirmed that the Hilux BEV will finally roll out by the end of 2025.

    “Our intention is to be producing the Hilux BEV over here.”

    Pras Ganesh, Toyota Motor Asia Executive Vice President 

    Target range

    Toyota has yet to disclose more specific details about the upcoming Hilux BEV’s specifications. However, it previously hinted that the company aims to develop the electric pickup with 200 km (124 mi) driving range without indicating the test cycle utilized for the calculation.

    Toyota is still resolving some issues before the Hilux BEV debut, as noted by executive Pras Ganesh.

    ” The more range I have to put on it, the more battery I have to put on it, which means the weight of the vehicle also becomes significantly heavier, which means the loading can be much less.

    So is it going to meet the customer’s usage needs?’ is always our biggest issue. We are always trying to understand what they do.”

    Pras Ganesh, Toyota Motor Asia Executive Vice President 

    Journalists who drove the BEV’s prototypes implied it could feature the same 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery as the bZ4X. However, Toyota has yet to confirm this.

    BYD, Chinese rivals advance ahead 

    While Toyota is still testing the Hilux BEV, Chinese giant BYD has already launched its inaugural pickup model this week. 

    The plug-in hybrid BYD Shark launched with an NEDC all-electric driving range of 100 km (62 mi). If we add its hybrid powertrain, the range increases to 840 km (522 mi). BYD claims that the EV’s 7.5L per 100 km fuel consumption is 40% lower than that of a full gas-powered truck.

    The BYD Shark offers two variants: the $53,400 GL and the $58,100 GS. It initially hit the Mexican market and plans to expand globally. With a 5,457 mm length, 1,971 mm width, and 1,925 mm height, the BYD pickup is a direct competitor to the popular Toyota Hilux.

    Although Toyota primarily targets the Thai market for the Hilux BEV, it remains open to exporting the electric pickup to other foreign markets.