Instead of a separate internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV models, Toyota And Lexus Will shift to offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric power line options on a wider range of vehicles.
At present, Toyota has a number of overlapping ice and EV models, each around the same size, but with unique bodies and interiors that match their powertrain type.
The fully electric BZ4x and the hybrid and plug-in hybrid RAV4 are, for example, between 4.6 and 4.7 meters long. There is also a significant overlap between the C-HR+ and Corolla Cross; and Lexus RZ and RX.
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Andrea Carlucci, head of marketing and planning for Toyota Europe, admitted Autoblog The current strategy “causes a complexity challenge”.
The extra models not only cause confusion in showrooms, but it also makes it more difficult for the automaker to adapt to fluctuating demand for ice and EV drivers.
“We have to simplify the number of silhouettes, with multiple powertrains. We try to navigate our way through. We have to find a platform that is good for PHEV and HEV,” Mrs. Carlucci continued.
The template for this change was constructed with the eighth generation Lexus Es, which Mrs. Carlucci describes as “the right balance for a multi-energy car”.
Disagosed with the Shanghai Motor Show last month, the new ES is offered in Australia, the US, China, Europe and other markets with the choice of gasoline and fully electric power lines.
The two hybrids offered are the entry-level 148 kW ES300H, which has a 2.0-liter hybrid system, and the 182 kW ES350H with a 2.5-liter hybrid drive. The EV range starts with the 165 kW ES350E and is crowned by 252 KW four-wheel drive ES500E.
The new ES is based on an updated version of the TNGA-K platform from Toyota, which supports cars such as the RAV4, Camry and Kluger, as well as the Lexus NX, RX and LM.
It is unclear which models of the Toyota and Lexus families will benefit from the new approach, but Mrs. Carlucci was happy to point out the GR family and the Landcruiser will not undergo this route.
“I don’t think simplification is good for itself,” said Mrs. Carlucci. “We will not simplify the GR models. Gr is not only profit, it is elusive value for Toyota. And we will not stop the Landcruiser.”
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