Toyota Motor has overtaken Nissan Motor to become Japan’s top-selling domestic electric vehicle brand for the first time, following a sharp rise in sales of its updated bZ4X electric SUV in the final quarter of 2025.
Domestic electric vehicle sales in Japan increased 1.6% in 2025 to 60,677 units, according to data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, reflecting continued but moderate growth in the market.
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Toyota moved into first place among domestic brands in the October–December period after launching a significantly upgraded version of the bZ4X. The automaker sold 3,448 units of the model in the fourth quarter, up more than 2,100% from a year earlier. According to Nikkei, that increase was sufficient for Toyota to overtake Nissan on a quarterly basis, marking the first time it has led Japan’s domestic EV rankings.
Honda ranked second among domestic EV makers in the fourth quarter following the September launch of its N-ONE e, while Nissan fell to third place. Nissan has dominated Japan’s domestic EV market for about 15 years, supported primarily by sales of the Leaf, but its lead has narrowed as rivals expand their electric lineups.
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Toyota’s improved performance followed the October launch of the revised bZ4X in Japan. The updated model offers a roughly 25% increase in driving range to up to 746 kilometres, faster charging capability, refreshed interior and exterior design, and additional features. Toyota also lowered the entry price to 4.8 million yen ($30,600), making it cheaper than the previous version.
