Yahoo Autos Toyota Will Bring Two EVs to the U.S. This Year
Two EVs and a plug-in hybrid will be launched by Toyota in the U.S. in 2021, after years of hybrid success.
A sedan and a compact SUV the size of a RAV4 are likely to be the first EV models on sale stateside, based on the e-TNGA platform.
Toyota aims to electrify almost half of its range by 2025, and isn't dropping hydrogen plans, opting for variety.
Toyota plans to introduce two new battery-electric vehicles in the U.S. this year in addition to one plug-in hybrid, giving a firm timeline after joining the EV game after years of skepticism about the demand for electric vehicles. The effort is part of a plan to electrify a large portion of its model range, with Toyota aiming to have 40% of its U.S. lineup composed of battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen-electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids by 2025. The automaker also hopes to dial that share up to 70% by 2030.
Just what could we expect later this year when it comes to EVs?
A compact SUV and a midsize sedan are the likely candidates, as Toyota has showed teaser images of two models of this type over the past several months, suggesting that a Camry-sized EV is likely in the works for later this year alongside an SUV that could be close to the RAV4 in footprint, but perhaps lower and more rakish in profile, as a released sketch suggested.
The prospective SUV model was previewed late last year when it was announced that the automaker would partner up with Subaru on an electric SUV project, which at the time was said to be aimed for Europe. A sedan about the size of a Camry was shown in a Toyota presentation graphic under wrap this week, not revealing much about its design except for a traditional sedan layout. These two expected segment entries are viewed to be in line with the automaker's announced plans for battery-electric models, effectively offering EV options to Camry and RAV4 buyers. Both vehicles will be underpinned by the company's e-TNGA platform, developed specifically for EVs.
