Toyota Australia has revealed plans to launch at least three EVs in three years, starting with the bZ4X SUV late this year.

The company also unveiled a $20 million investment by dealers in charging facilities that will support the sale and service of customer EVs. Installation of the first stage of the dealership charging network, involving 232 sites, is underway and the company said it will be completed well ahead of the arrival of the bZ4X.

Toyota has a solid name in vehicle electrification – last year, customers bought a record 72,815 Toyota hybrid-electric vehicles, representing 31.5 per cent of the 231,050 new Toyota vehicles delivered in 2022 – but it has been perceived to be behind in the move to battery-electric vehicle development and production. Its focus in Australia appears rather to be on providing a range of electrified options to customers.

In a media release, the company said it would progressively introduce additional EVs as well as other electrified vehicles to continue providing customers with practical and affordable ways to reduce emissions.

“Toyota is committed to bringing electric vehicles to Australia,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing & Franchise Operations. “We know they will play an ever-increasing role in helping us – and our customers – get to net-zero carbon emissions.

“We also know it will take many years for the significant challenges facing EVs to be overcome, including battery-material shortages, less-than-adequate charging infrastructure and the ability to meet diverse customer requirements such as towing.

“That’s why it’s just too early – and too risky for the environment and for our customers – to put all our eggs in the electric vehicle basket.

“Toyota will therefore maintain our strategy of deploying as many technologies as possible -battery EVs where they are most appropriate and other electrified powertrains where that makes the best use of scarce battery cells.”

Mr Hanley said Toyota would continue to evaluate EVs for the Australian market as they are made available, including one based on the bZ Compact SUV Concept revealed in November.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2023)

21 February 2023