Toyota to Launch EV Under Lexus Brand in 2026, Says New CEO

Toyota is reportedly set to focus more on the development of EVs. The company, according to reports, intends to expand its product line and streamline production by producing more EV-specific components, such as batteries and a platform.

Toyota, according to reports, will introduce "next-generation" EVs under the Lexus brand in 2026. To build cars suited for BEVs, the company will reportedly concentrate on everything from battery to platform. The company reports increasing its efforts toward EV development more than ever. Several industry reports say that Toyota keeping a BEV perspective will modify the business process, including manufacturing, sales, service, etc. This transition, according to the firm, will be led by Lexus. Moreover, Toyota will emphasize "intelligence" in its future models, aside from working on EVs. It will fuse hardware and software to boost fuel economy and encourage safer driving and ride quality. Although the specifics of these initiatives haven't been made public, the company has plans to collaborate with several dealers and apps for their execution.

Sharing his thoughts on electrification, the company's incoming President Koji Sato stated, ''Specifically, we will develop next-generation BEVs for Lexus brand by 2026, with everything from the battery and platform to how a car is built optimized for BEVs while expanding our current BEV lineup.''

Toyota has reportedly been massively criticized for its hesitation to go beyond its hybrid models and for the slow adoption of the EV. The carmaker has cited communication problems as a reason for its delayed EV uptake. According to the firm, it will keep up its "multi-pathway" and "omnidirectional" strategy and will not give up on hybrid cars anytime soon. However, it will speed up its EV ambitions and adopt "a BEV-first approach."

Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV, Glanza Prices Hiked by up to Rs 50,000

Toyota BZ4X EV 1

Meanwhile, the BZ4X, Toyota India's first electric SUV, debuted overseas last year and was showcased in India at the most recent Auto Expo. It will have two electric motors and all-wheel drive, which are accentuated by glossy black cladding around the wheel arches. It is built on the e-TNGA EV-specific platform.

Also Read: Hyryder, Fortuner, Glanza Boost Toyota's Domestic Sales by 175% in January

On the dimensions front, the forthcoming BZ4X EV is 150mm longer and 5mm wider than the Toyota RAV4 SUV. The EV sports quad LED projector-equipped thin headlights, a slim LED DRL, a thin grille, and 20-inch machined alloy wheels, along with a sloping roofline. Its overall front design is not very aggressive.

The interior of the EV features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an all-digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Its infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and is connected to a 9-speaker JBL audio system. As of yet, we have no updates as to when Toyota will launch the model in India. However, when launched, the EV is most likely to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, and others.