Toyota only sold 24,000 EVs in 2022.
The manufacturer still believes in its hybrid technology.
Many EVs are expected in the coming months.
Toyota is currently in an electrification race. Although the Japanese giant was a pioneer in hybrid vehicles with the Prius and all the electrified models that followed, the automaker is unfortunately lagging the leaders in electric propulsion.
However, the Japanese brand intends to triple its production of electric vehicles by 2025, compared with the 190,000 units it plans to assemble next year. This is according to an article published on Nikkei Asia. This means that by 2025, Toyota will be producing no less than 600,000 electric vehicles, an offensive clearly aimed at its American and Chinese rivals, Tesla and BYD respectively.
Toyota Sports EV | Photo: Toyota
This represents a huge increase in production rate, since in 2022 Toyota sold just 24,000 units worldwide.
In addition to future models in the bZ (Beyond Zero) range, Toyota is planning the arrival of a purely electric Hilux pickup in Asia, while other utility-oriented models are expected in the coming months. The Lexus luxury division will also be involved, with the addition of a purely electric variant of the ES sedan, a model that will first be introduced on the Japanese market.
The addition of a battery production plant in the USA will also benefit sales figures, as this too is planned for 2025. What’s more, Toyota is currently in talks with battery suppliers CATL and Chinese manufacturer BYD to gain access to South Korean producer LG Energy Solution.
Toyota Electric pickup concept | Photo: Toyota
From 2026 onwards, we can expect to see further new electric models based on a new platform dedicated to electric power. After all, Toyota intends to sell no less than 3.5 million EVs by 2030.
On the other hand, Toyota and Lexus have no intention of abandoning other hybrid propulsion options, if only to maintain their grip on global market share.
