Toyota, unlike its direct competitors, took some time before offering 100% electric models. The world’s leading automotive group made a strategic choice in favor of hybrid cars instead of 100% electric cars. Since then he has acquired significant experience in the development and production of hybrid cars. And it has been since 1997 with the release of the Prius, which won an unrivaled position as the leader in the hybrid market.

Thus, the brand has developed many variations of this type of vehicle (full hybrid, battery hybrid, 48V and even hydrogen), as well as platforms and models. Today, in France, as in Europe, the Toyota range consists mainly of hybrid models. Including Yaris, Corolla, C-HR or Camry sedan. This privileged position allowed the brand take your time to sit in an electric car…

Accelerate the development of electricity

However, we know this in Europe The commission insists on the transition to 100% electricity. For a long time, the brand did not believe in this technology. Akio Toyoda, CEO of the group since 2009 and grandson of the founder, has never hidden his skepticism about all-electric cars. This has been the case since he left his post in April last year Koji Sato, former director of Lexus and Gazoo Racing, who took his place. Much more enthusiastic about electricity than his predecessor, Sato is intensifying investments and projects in this energy sector.

Currently, the brand offers only two models. Crossover bZ4X, which arrived in Europe and which we begin to meet on our roads in France. But also compact sedan BbZ3, which is reserved for China. The group’s product plan is bold and includes crossovers, sedans, city cars and even 4X4s! But to do this, The cutting edge of electricity is, of course, batteries and platforms.

Japanese Union

to go faster, stronger and cheaper In the development of its future electric platforms, Toyota has a credo: There is strength in unity ! The Japanese group has indeed announced that they want to share their upcoming platform with their compatriots. This is combining costs, teams and resources to improve it faster, and above all quickly claim profitability. Toyota, already a big leader in its home market, has stakes in several of its competitors. Therefore, it is easier for him to create synergy with his compatriots. Isuzu, Mazda, Daihatsu, Subaru, Suzuki : Finally, apart from Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi, almost all Japanese car manufacturers can benefit from this… Is a new wave of Japanese electrics coming?

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