Toyota announced on Wednesday that it plans to launch nine fully electric models in Europe between 2025 and 2026 across its Toyota and Lexus brands, as the automaker moves to strengthen its presence in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market.
The Japanese automaker, which has historically been more cautious in its EV strategy compared to some competitors, said it remains committed to a “multi-pathway approach” in reducing carbon emissions by offering a mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric vehicles across different markets.
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“Providing choice and opportunity is at the heart of ever-better cars and everything we do,” said Toyota Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries in a statement.
Toyota has already unveiled three new EVs in Europe as part of its broader strategy. These include an updated version of its bZ4X electric SUV, the all-electric C-HR+ SUV coupé, and the Urban Cruiser, a compact electric SUV built in India in collaboration with Suzuki. The company also plans to introduce three Lexus-branded electric models in the region over the next 12 months, beginning with the RZ SUV.
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The refreshed bZ4X will feature improvements in battery capacity and range, while the C-HR+ will offer multiple powertrain options to cater to different customer needs. Meanwhile, the Urban Cruiser is expected to target the growing demand for affordable EVs in urban areas.
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by sales, has adopted a more measured approach to EVs, focusing on hybrids and plug-in hybrids alongside battery-electric models. This strategy has proven beneficial, particularly as global demand for fully electric vehicles slowed in recent months.
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While EV sales in some regions have fluctuated, the European market remains strong. Sales of fully electric cars in the region rose 37.3% in January, accounting for nearly 17% of total new car sales, after a slight decline in 2024.
Toyota, which has seen continued demand for its hybrid models, reported a 13.1% increase in sales across Europe in 2024, reaching just over 1 million units, in an overall market that grew by 0.9%.