Late last year, Toyota and Lexus previewed 15 electric vehicles and announced plans to introduce 30 of them by the end of the decade. However, new Reuters reports say that the automaker is in the process of revamping its roadmap and has halted production on some of the proposed models.
According to the report, Toyota has allegedly suspended development of the electric Crown and the Toyota Compact Cruiser crossover, the revival of the FJ Cruiser. It’s not clear if other models are affected. The automaker is allegedly taking time to rethink its EV plans, which could slow new product launches. However, the move would make Toyota more competitive with better manufacturing processes, reducing costs. Automakers are also working with suppliers to cut costs.
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Everything seems to be on the table to achieve this, and Tesla is the benchmark. Companies can develop successors to the e-TNGA platform, extend the life of the platform with new technology, or design a new EV-only platform. However, the new architecture will take about five years to spawn a new model. Based on Reutersthose working on updating the plan have until early next year to reevaluate the roadmap.
Toyota launched its first EV earlier this year, which some considered late compared to other automakers. However, the rugged launch of the model certainly didn’t help. In June, Toyota recalled the bZ4x electric crossover for drop wheels, urging owners not to drive their vehicles. It starts at $43,215, offers an EPA estimate with a range of 252 miles (405 kilometers), and shares style with the Subaru Solterra. Surprisingly, the Subaru starts at $46,220. Toyota also launched the bZ3 in China today, expanding the bZ brand.
The industry is facing mass upheaval as automakers invest billions into EVs. The government is also making big financial moves by incentivizing battery manufacturers, charging stations, and purchases that drive EV adoption. The end of the decade may seem far away, but it’s close enough for automakers. They are already developing the model they plan to launch in the second half of the decade. Not much time before 2030 arrives.
