Toyota to focus on EVs under new management

Soon to be CEO of Toyota, Koji Sato, has wasted no time in putting a plan in place for when he takes over the role from Akio Toyoda at the start of April, with the first thing on his list being a new focus on electric vehicles (EVs).

Toyota has been somewhat slow with regard to its adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEV) as much of its lineup still features internal combustion engines without any solid plans to go fully electric in the future.

The reason the Japanese carmaker has yet to do so is because current CEO Toyoda questions the automotive industry’s push for EVs and has stated that there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” powertrain for consumers as they want options.

However, under Sato’s management, the carmaker will adopt a “BEV-first” strategy in which a new fully electric platform will be introduced by 2026.

Toyota will use Lexus as the vessel to lead its venture into electrification, a brand which will go all-electric by 2035 globally.

Nothing has been detailed in terms of the new platform’s specifications but we can guess Toyota’s future EV will take inspiration from the 15 electric concepts it unveiled at the end of 2021.

Another area Sato outlined that the brand will focus on is making it’s cars more interactive, safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable.

Diversification will be another focus, with Toyota stating that it will advance car-making for different regions with diverse needs.

We can expect to hear more about what lay ahead for Toyota and its new EVs when Sato takes over as CEO on April 1, 2023.