Toyota was one of the slowest automakers to focus on electric vehicles. The Japanese brand has always stated that it thinks hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles are its cars of choice for a more sustainable future. But even Toyota can’t ignore the EV switch. During a recent press conference outlining Toyota’s future plans, executive leaders confirmed that the automaker will introduce 10 new electric vehicles by 2026, and that a three-row SUV is also in the works. Production of the family electric vehicle will begin in the US in 2025.
While Toyota has confirmed that electric vehicles are coming and that the three-row electric SUV will be built in the US, other details about the vehicle are scarce. The electric SUV will be manufactured in the US and the batteries will be sourced from North Carolina. That means the electric SUV, as long as it’s under the price cap, will be eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit after the most recent round of changes.
If we had to guess what the next three-row electric SUV will try to mimic, we’d say the 2021 Toyota bZ5X concept. The bZ5X concept has a similar design to the bZ4X that’s on sale, but it had a larger body and three rows of seats With the three-row electric SUV coming in the near future, we expect the SUV to use the automaker’s e-TNGA platform that underpins the bZ4X.
While we expect the upcoming three-row electric SUV to use the e-TNGA platform, Toyota confirmed that it’s working on a next-generation architecture that will come out around 2026. The automaker is also working on doubling the range of their electric vehicles. but did not explain how. Our guess would be updated battery chemistry, improved heating and cooling, and larger battery packs. The bZ4X currently offers up to 252 miles of range, while the Lexus RZ450e has a range of up to 220 miles. Both vehicles are below average in terms of range.
A three-row electric SUV makes a lot of financial sense for Toyota. Now that automakers have electric cars in their lineups, they’re looking to expand into SUVs, which remain the most popular body styles on sale. Toyota won’t be alone as it appears to be coming out with a three-row SUV. Kia recently launched the 2024 EV9 at the New York Auto Show, which looks set to be an absolute hit. We expect Hyundai to follow up with its own version which could be called the Ioniq 7.
Pictured: 2023 Toyota bZ4X (top), 2024 Kia EV9 (middle)
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