Are you wondering what vehicle electrification looks like from the world‘s largest automaker? We‘ll explore Toyota‘s trials, products, and future ambitions for EVs. While behind rivals today, Toyota is slated to release numerous new electric models. This guide has the details and analysis to know regarding Toyota‘s electric vehicle strategy.
We‘ll cover Toyota‘s reluctant path to EVs, issues plaguing their first model, upcoming offerings on the horizon, and whether hydrogen fuel cell cars fit into a zero emission future. Let‘s dive in!
The Road to Electrification
Before assessing Toyota‘s EVs, it‘s worth understanding their historical skepticism of battery technology. Leadership felt lithium ion batteries remained too expensive and unreliable even as costs plunged over the last decade.
They also correctly saw challenges around charging infrastructure and consumer education barriers. So Toyota preferred dipping a toe into vehicle electrification through hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars.
However, between rising global regulatory pressure and competitors launching compelling new EVs, Toyota recognizes fully electric models are necessary for relevance and emissions goals.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Toyota launches the Prius hybrid, leads hybrid vehicle sales for decades |
| 2014 | Introduces hydrogen fuel cell sedan Mirai concept in Japan |
| 2021 | Akio Toyoda signals shift: "We can‘t meet demand with the vehicles we have now" |
| 2022 | Debuts bZ4X crossover EV, promises 15 electric models by 2025 |
Now let‘s examine how Toyota‘s first EVs drive and deliver on promises.
Toyota‘s Current Electric Lineup
bZ4X: A Crossover with Teething Problems
As Toyota‘s very first bespoke battery electric vehicle, expectations ran high for the bZ4X. The midsize crossover touts cruise range up to 252 miles, AWD performance, and a futuristic interior.
However, the bZ4X has faced a rocky launch since early models arrived for customers in mid 2022. Toyota had to recall every car sold in the U.S. due to an alarming issue – wheel bolts loosening to the point wheels could detach at any speed.
The automaker is scrambling to identify the mechanical flaw and settle furious early adopters. We‘ll have to wait and see whether Toyota can resolve problems marring their debut EV.
bZ4X Key Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery | 71.4 kWh |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 seconds (AWD) |
| Range | 252 miles (FWD) |
| Max Charging | 150 kW (RAWD) / 30 min (~80% charge) |
| Price | $42,000 (XLE FWD) – $49,000 (Limited) |
Besides safety, consumers report disappointing charging rates under cold conditions. One test showed just a 28 kW charge rate at 20°F on a 150 kW fast charger. Slow DC charging in winter weather is unfortunately common among EVs, but still concerning for those in northern states.
Mirai: Pioneering Yet Impractical
Alongside pure battery EVs, Toyota continues investing in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai sedan. As Toyota‘s first fuel cell car back in 2015, the Mirai deserves plaudits for pioneering an alternative zero emission pathway focusing on:
- Fast refueling – Fills up in 5-10 minutes at hydrogen stations
- Long range – Up to 402 miles from 5.6 kg of hydrogen
- Familiarity – Quiet, smooth acceleration akin to gasoline sedans
However with underlying infrastructure costs, hydrogen‘s prospects look questionable outside specialized use cases.
As of mid 2022, there are just 48 public hydrogen stations in the entire U.S. concentrated mainly in California. Compare that to over 100,000 electric charging stations nationwide. Customers also face sticker shock approaching $50,000 before available subsidies.
| Mirai Specs | |
|---|---|
| Range | 402 miles |
| Fill time | 5-10 minutes |
| Infrastructure | 48 stations (U.S.) |
| Base Price | $49,500 |
So while the advanced Mirai deserves credit as an engineering marvel, its drive experience simply hasn‘t outweighed inherent hydrogen distribution challenges.
Toyota‘s Promising Future Electric Lineup
Beyond their first EVs, Toyota ambitiously outlined over a dozen new battery electric models to come, spanning all vehicle segments. At an event in late 2021, leadership showed clay models and CGI previews ranging from sports coupes, to SUVs, pickups and even a hydrogen-powered tractor.
It seems no segment will go untouched by vehicle electrification in Toyota‘s vision. Some of the most intriguing models revealed:
Electric Pickup Truck – Rivian and Ford have shown the appeal of zero emission pickups. Toyota is America‘s pickup sales leader with the Tundra and Tacoma. An electric option could expand their truck dominance.
Advanced Compact Cruiser SUV – This aggressive, rugged, offroad SUV on display won a 2022 concept car award for design. The Compact Cruiser embodied "authentic adventure capability", according to judges.
bz3 Ultra-aerodynamic Hatchback – With a remarkably low 0.21 drag coefficient matching the Mercedes EQXX concept, the next bz3 hatchback could break range records on a charge.
For any of these future models to shift from concepts to customer driveways, Toyota must consolidate EV development resources. Between hydrogen fuel cells, hybrids, PHEVs and dedicated EV platforms, focus has fragmented. Platform consolidation coupled with simplified supply chains could accelerate Toyota‘s electric moonshot.
The Road Ahead: What Will it Take?
We‘ve covered Toyota‘s hesitant electric transition as well as the bumpy debut for early models like the bZ4X crossover. It‘s clear convincing leadership of battery EV viability remains an ongoing process.
But to lead the pack this decade, we believe Toyota should:
- Resolve safety concerns through thorough investigation and appropriate manufacturer accountability around the bZ4X wheel defects
- Streamline development of future products by investing decisively in dedicated BEV platforms
- Deliver class-leading range and charging through cutting-edge batteries to surpass rivals
- Modernize branding and culture to emphasize high-tech capabilities beyond durable but boring transportation appliances
For the planet‘s health along with their continued sales dominance, Toyota must ensure excellent, high-volume electric vehicles enter showrooms quickly. Leadership accepts electrification is essential – now bold innovation and execution must follow to realize the vision.
So while Tesla‘s lead seems commanding, don‘t underestimate this manufacturing juggernaut once battery power secures full-throated backing. By applying their prowess, Toyota could still shape the future.
We hope you‘ve enjoyed this complete guide to Toyota‘s electric vehicle strategy. What model or capability are you most excited to see from the auto giant? Let me know what other analysis would be useful regarding Toyota or the EV revolution overall.
