Some say that it’s about time Toyota comes out with an electric vehicle. Toyota dealers near Riverside CA like Toyota of Orange were shocked when they learned that Toyota has plans to launch an all-electric battery-powered vehicle. Dealers near Riverside CA feel that Toyota is teasing them with the news that an electric SUV, which will be built on Toyota’s new e-TNGA platform, is set to be launched in 2021.
Although the Prius was one of the first and most iconic green vehicles to ever exist in the world, Toyota was one of the last car companies to manufacture complete EVs. Nevertheless, Toyota seems to be serious about taking EVs full on.
Currently, Toyota’s initial plans for an all-electric vehicle are for the European market. We are hoping and assuming, if all goes well, that the car will be available for U.S consumers soon afterward.
What Is Toyota’s New e-TNGA Platform?
Toyota’s e-TNGA technology is an electric car platform that the manufacturer plans to apply to ten of its most popular models worldwide, which includes 6 global models. These six global models include:
- Compact car
- Mid-size crossover SUV
- Mid-size sedan
- Minivan
- Mid-size SUV
- Large SUV
The platform will support various types and sizes of vehicles, different battery capacity, and includes front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or dual-motor all-wheel drive. This vehicle architecture is segmented into five modules: the front module, center module, rear module, battery, and motor. Up to three versions of each module are in development, including three capacities for the lithium-ion battery.
Toyota says the new e-TNGA platform architecture combines variable and non-variable key components, which is why it provides high flexibility in terms of vehicle width, length, wheelbase, and height. Front, rear, and all-wheel drive are all possible.
The new platform is to be modeled on the Toyota New Global Architecture, which is designed as a mixed platform. However, the e-TNGA is specialized in electric drives. Toyota informs us that the new platform allows “development times for different model variants to be reduced and individual models to be developed in parallel.”
Why Is Toyota Making EVs Now?
Although Toyota has been slower when it comes to adopting EVs into its lineup, this is not due to a lack of capability. Toyota has the technology but was occupied being the leader of hybrids with the introduction of the Prius. Furthermore, Toyota has been investing in fuel-cell vehicles such as the Mirai and sells the UX300e in Europe and China.
Toyota has noticed the steady upward trend of sales for EVs, and they seem to be ready to take the plunge in expanding its fleet.
What Are Toyota’s Plans?
Toyota says they plan to manufacture 5.5 million EVs every year by 2025.
In addition, during this timeframe, Toyota plans to launch 60 new electrified vehicles, which include hybrids, PHEVs, EVs, and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles like the all-new second-generation Mirai.
As far as we know, the e-TNGA platform supports front, rear, or all-wheel drive and uses modular battery modules to support various vehicle designs and requirements. For this reason, we will probably see all-electric cars similar to the Corolla, Camry, and Highlander.
Toyota deputy chief officer Koji Toyoshima mentioned that Toyota plans to mass-produce EVs with solid-state battery packs in the first half of the 2020s. Despite the fact that Toyota is a little late in the EV game, Toyota believes that its hybrid and PHEV technology will give them the finesse they require to develop all-electric vehicles.
“Hybrid success has given us the foundation we need for other electrified powertrains – which will be introduced when the time, the market, and the infrastructure are right,” said Toyota Europe’s Andrea Carlucci. “And that time is getting closer.”
When Will The First EV Toyota be Available In The US?
There is some buzz going around that the first Toyota electric vehicle will appear shortly in Toyota car showrooms across the United States. It is noted that the hybrid powertrains will stay the car manufacturer’s core technology. The company believes that since hybrids work well and are reliable and efficient, they should not be changed or discarded.
Still, Toyota is working hard to develop solid-state batteries. When this technology is perfected, they may think about offering some battery electric vehicles.
What About Toyota’s Hydrogen Fuel Vehicles?
Although Toyota has set high ambitions to develop impeccable solid-state battery technology, which will eventually be a “game-changer” in the electric vehicle’s world, Toyota has no plans of getting rid of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Toyota’s Executive Vice President, Didier Leroy, noted at the Tokyo Motor Show: “We believe our solid-state battery technology can be a game-changer with the potential to dramatically improve driving range.”
Even though China has extensively promoted electric vehicles, Japan has drafted plans to be the first hydrogen-fueled society. Leroy stated that Toyota was launching two new fuel-cell vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, including the six-seater ‘Fine-Comfort Ride’ concept car, with a cruising range of about 1,000 km (620 miles).
Before the coronavirus canceled major events such as the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Leroy stated in 2017, “A production version of the second model, the ‘Sora’ fuel-cell bus, will be launched next year, with more than 100 expected to be sold, mainly in Tokyo, ahead of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in the city.”