Toyota Makes U-Turn on Its EV Strategy, Teased Next-Gen EV Models

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has held an exclusive press conference to announce changes in its executive structure. Beyond the exec reshuffling, the automaker also announced a new strategy and direction for EVs in the future, which the brand was notoriously known for not being the sole believer in the tech.

Prior to this new stance, Toyota firmly believed that EV is not the ultimate solution, while vowing to continue research on other carbon neutral alternatives, which turned them to be one of the leading automakers in developing both hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in the world.

Toyota President Koji Sato

However, this new revelation has somewhat prompted a U-turn for the automaker, as it now believes that EV has a space in Toyota’s future line-up. Speaking during this press conference, the firm’s newly-appointed president Koji Sato said Toyota “must create cars with energy security in mind and contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society.”

“That is why we will continue an omni-directional approach without wavering from our multi-pathway. In that multi-pathway, battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, are also an important option,” the President said.

Following this, TMC is currently planning to launch a slew of next-gen EVs, starting with its luxury arm, Lexus. The Lexus brand will get a new EV model as early as 2026, where it will be built ground-up using a dedicated EV platform and new battery pack technology.

Aside from that, Toyota executive vice president Yoichi Miyazaki has also revealed a newly-revised EV roadmap for Toyota, which includes a three-row EV SUV coming exclusively to the North American market, set to debut later in 2025. Meanwhile, China will get two new EV models next year, while its current bZ EV line-up will be further expanded and offered to other regional markets.

Special for the Asian market, Toyota will introduce a new EV pick-up model and one compact EV by the end of this year, with the former possibly being an all-electric Hilux.

Toyota Hilux Revo FCEV (left) & Toyota Hilux EV Concept

Previously, Toyota has been toying with the idea of fitting its beloved Hilux pick-up truck with some form of carbon neutral powertrains. Folks at Toyota UK have been testing out the hydrogen-powered Hilux, specially developed for commercial use. Meanwhile, Toyota Thailand has previewed a battery EV (BEV) Hilux model during its 60th anniversary, but refused to share further specifications on the electric truck.

So folks, keen to see an electric Hilux rolling down our roads soon? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments down below…