Japanese automaker Toyota has finally started towards aggressive electrification as the newly released management policy pivots around electric vehicles.
Most interestingly, the company’s executive VP announced that the automaker would soon launch next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with more than 124 miles (200 km) of electrical range.
Toyota’s key strategies, including next-gen PHEVs
The Japanese legacy automaker aims to launch no less than ten new energy vehicles by 2026. The mix includes a three-row SUV for the US market that is set to launch in 2025.
Meanwhile, Toyota will produce an all-electric pickup truck and a compact EV in Asia and emerging markets before the year ends.
On top of all these plans, Toyota’s executive VP Hiroki Nakajima has also declared that the engineers are exploring next-gen PHEVs that offer over 124 miles (200 km) range.
Unfortunately, VP Hiroki omitted to specify the test cycle. Nonetheless, whether it is WLTP or EPA, the company’s new PHEVs will experience a significant increase in their range while operating only on electricity.
For comparison, the Prius Prime‘s 13.6-kWh li-ion battery pack offers a manufacturer-estimated electric range of 44 miles (almost 71km). Therefore, the planned innovative models indicate a range increase of 76% compared to the older models.
Toyota to offer “Practical BEV”
The Japanese automaker claims its modern PHEV will now be marketed as the “practical BEV.”
“By increasing battery efficiency to extend the EV-mode driving range beyond 200 km, We will reposition PHEVs as “the practical BEV” and will work harder on developing this as another BEV option.”
Hiroki Nakajima, Executive VP
The standard hybrids will be enhanced in the interim “with a focus on high quality and affordable prices.”
Moreover, Toyota is also currently developing the next-gem BEVs slated to arrive in 2026. Per the presentation, these models will offer a 50% higher driving range than the current Toyota models.
“we also have plans to release next-generation BEVs entirely different from those of today―BEVs created by carmakers in 2026. This new generation of BEVs will double driving range by using batteries with far greater efficiency, While also offering designs and driving performance to set hearts racing.”
Hiroki Nakajima, Executive VP
On top of all that, Toyota intends to begin commercial FCEV mass production using fuel cell technology. Long-term targets call for a reduction in global CO2 emissions of 33% by the end of the decade and more than 50% by 2035 compared to levels in 2019. The ultimate goal is to become carbon neutral by 2050.
“We will work to promote electrified vehicles and reduce CO2 emissions with leaving no one behind, including in emerging markets. Through this all-direction approach, we aim to reduce average CO2 emissions for vehicles we sell worldwide by 33% by 2030 and by more than 50% by 2035 compared to 2019. We will continue to promote decarbonization globally and steadily toward 2050.”
Koji Sato, President & CEO
