Late last year, Toyota and Lexus reviewed 15 electric vehicles and announced plans to introduce 30 of them by the end of the decade. However, a new Reuters The report states that the automaker is in the process of refining its roadmap and has halted production on some proposed models.
According to the report, Toyota has reportedly suspended the revival of the electric Crown and the Toyota compact cruiser crossover, the FJ Cruiser. It is unclear if other models are affected. The automaker is reportedly taking time to revise its EV plans, which could slow the rollout of new products. However, the move will make Toyota more competitive with improved manufacturing processes, reducing costs. The automaker is also working with suppliers to cut costs.
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Everything is seemingly on the table to achieve this, and Tesla is the benchmark. The company could develop a successor to its e-TNGA platform, extend the platform’s life with new technologies, or design a new platform dedicated to EVs. However, the new architecture will take about five years to build the new model. According to ReutersThose working on updating the plan have until early next year to revisit the roadmap.
Toyota launched its first EV earlier this year, which some have considered late to the game compared to other automakers. However, the model’s rough rollout certainly didn’t help. In June, Toyota recalled the bZ4x electric crossover for wheels that could fall off, urging owners not to drive their vehicles. It starts at $43,215, offers an EPA-estimated 252 miles (405 km) of range, and shares styling with the Subaru Solterra. Surprisingly, the Subaru starts at $46,220. Toyota also launched the bZ3 in China today, expanding the bZ brand.
The industry is facing massive upheaval as automakers invest billions in EVs. Governments are also taking massive financial steps to build battery factories, charging stations, and incentivize purchases to encourage EV adoption. The end of the decade may seem far away, but it’s close enough for automakers. They are already developing models that they plan to launch in the second half of the decade. There is not much time before 2030.
