Toyota is finally embracing EVs, to launch next-generation BEVs under the Lexus brand

Ro, 14 February 2023

Toyota has been pretty slow to the EV party as it was reluctant to make the necessary steps to electrification. Its only fully-electric bZ4X EV, which is based on the e-TNGA BEV platform, is performing well below expectations of reviewers and owners. But the new CEO Koji Sato wants to turn things around and focus more on EVs.

In fact, the new boss at Toyota wants to introduce "next-generation" EVs under the Lexus brand in 2026. The company will focus on expanding its existing EV lineup as well.

The new CEO didn't elaborate on what "next-generation" means, but he did say that the automaker will rethink pretty much everything involved in making a BEV - battery, platform, build and even the production process of BEVs. And that seems to be in line with previous rumors.

Sato also addressed criticism regarding Toyota's slow reaction to the expanding EV market, citing the lack of internal communication being the culprit.

Source

Reader comments

Mikee
Mrn
08 Apr 2023

It just may turn out that the lithium-ion tech is not the best and early "investors" such as Tesla may be on the bleeding edge provided Toyota will understand and adopt the sodium-ion battery.

ASL
AZY
16 Feb 2023

I am okey just please do not kill the 2023 prius plug in which is not yet in production and sales and it's not too late to cancel it.. because my country is poor = poor ev charging infrastructure = at least 20 years before ev adoption stress fre...

Fearghast
ps1
15 Feb 2023

I am really curious how will the new line-up move things forward compared to bZ4X platform - if they improve packaging, use lower profile batteries, make cooling a heating for battery much more robust and efficient - it might be quite interesting.