Toyota plans two more electric cars for Australia by 2027
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While sales of Toyota’s current range of hybrid-powered vehicles are booming, the Japanese automotive giant will continue to grow its range of electric cars for the Australian market.
Toyota is on track to increase its range of electric vehicles for the Australian market, and has committed to introducing two new EVs over the next 12 months.
Speaking to Drive at the recent launch of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, local Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said "another two variants" will be coming to Australia "by the end of 2026".
However, Hanley wouldn't be drawn on exactly which models they will be.
MORE: Electric cars Australia – Cheapest, best and newest electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids
Compared to plans for six electric models for the European market, Toyota Australia's tentative approach to electric vehicles in the Australian market has been criticised for not doing enough in the electric space.
With only one fully electric model currently available in the range – the bZ4X mid-sized SUV – Toyota’s presence in the electric car landscape is outgunned by the likes of Kia, Hyundai and MG.
Other brands like Skoda, Nissan and Ford only have one passenger electric car offering currently in Australia, while Mitsubishi, Honda and Mazda don’t currently have an electric car in their respective showrooms.
MORE: 2024 Toyota bZ4X review
VW is on the cusp of releasing a range of electric cars for the Australian market, including the ID. Buzz people mover before the end of the year.
Toyota’s bZ4X is also comprehensively outsold by EV offerings from the likes of Tesla, BYD, GWM, and others.
However, Mr Hanley told Drive "we got it right" with Toyota’s so-called ‘multi-pathway strategy’ that sees EVs as only one part of the overall mix of powertrain options for the world right now.
One possible option for Toyota’s future EVs is previewed by the Urban SUV Concept, which the brand showed initially in late 2023 and confirmed for production only recently in October 2024.
The production version of this model will be built in India by Suzuki, and has been confirmed for global markets including Japan, India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Suzuki is set to release its own version of the same vehicle, which will be called the eVitara.
Measuring 4300mm long, the yet-to-be-named Toyota model could be available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with a 60kWh battery, if specifications mimic what we already know about the eVitara.
Another possible option is a production version of the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept, which was revealed back in 2021.
While there is speculation that this new model might also come with hybrid or petrol power – and provide competition to the Suzuki Jimny – exact details and specifications are thin on the ground.
This model could be off-road capable, picking up more rugged underpinnings similar to what Suzuki offers with its pint-sized four-wheel drive.
Toyota’s first and only current EV for the Australian market so far is the bZ4X, which is a mid-sized SUV rated for 411km of driving range. It’s joined by the twin-under-the-skin Subaru Solterra, and is priced from $66,000 plus on-road costs.
The post Toyota plans two more electric cars for Australia by 2027 appeared first on Drive.
