Toyota Electric Cars: Toyota plan to expand it EV portfolio in Australia, as part of a strategy to launch two new electric cars within the next 2 years.
It actually came from the recent launch event of Toyota LandCruiser Prado where the Australia’s Toyota’s Sales and Marketing Vice President Sean Hanley said that “two more derivatives” are expected to arrive in Australia by year “2026 end.”
On what models, Hanley will be unveiling, he kept unusually close to his chest. Today, Toyota has been in the spotlight regarding its conservative strategy on EVs, unlike its strategy to launch six new EV models in the European market.
Toyota’s Limited Electric Offering
Currently, Toyota only has one fully electric model in Australia: the bZ4X mid-sizer, whereas Kia, Hyundai and MG have much wider choice now. Major auto companies like Skoda, Nissan, Ford, Mitsubishi, Honda and Mazda also have only one single passenger EV in the Australian market at the present time.
Walmart is gearing up a range of ID electric vehicles in the Australian, including both small and large cars. New people mover to be in operation before year end. The specific vehicle, Toyota bZ4X, what has been registered far lower sales compared to new EV models from Tesla, BYD, GWM, and others.
Nevertheless, according to Mr. Hanley as he spoke to Drive Toyota still agrees with its ‘multi-pathway strategy’ that incorporates EVs as just one segment of the powertrain portfolio, insisting they have it right for the current global conditions.
Toyota’s Impactful Design
Toyota’s future generations of EVs might borrow design traits from the Urban SUV Concept shown at the end of 2023 and later given the green light for production in early 2024.
This production version, which is to be made in India by Suzuki, was proposed to marketed around the world in places like Japan, India Europe Africa and the Middle East.
This specific vehicle type is proposed by Suzuki to manufacture their own version they named as eVitara.
A Toyota-badged version of the under-construction car has not been christened officially yet but the world may see a compact sized 4 door car measuring 4300mm in length which could come with FWD or AWD systems. If the type will match with the eVitara’s requirement, it could come with battery of 60kWh.
Another new car that could be introduced in the exporter’s EV line is the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV produced car, which Toyota showcased in the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show.
There are whispers that this model could also be produced in hybrid or petrol to take on the Suzuki Jimny but more details and specs amid scarce.
Off-Road Capabilities
This model should be off-roader accessible; the platform could be adapted from the Suzuki’s compact four-wheel-drive models.
As it stands, Toyota has only one electric vehicle in its range for Australia’s market – the bZ4X, a mid-sized SUV with estimated travelling range of 411km. Known as the ‘’twin’ model of the Subaru Solterra, this model goes for approx 55 lakh rupees($66,000), excluding on-road costs.
