Toyota Motor is currently in the process of evaluating an expansion of its U.S. truck lineup to potentially include all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric versions of its popular Tacoma and Tundra pickups. The executive vice president of Toyota Motor North America, Jack Hollis, mentioned that this decision is being driven by a combination of expected customer demand and the tightening federal emissions and fuel economy regulations.
In his statement at the New York Auto Forum conference, Hollis emphasized the importance of continuing to grow Toyota’s truck footprint in the U.S. market. He hinted at the possibility of introducing not only electric versions of the Tundra and Tacoma but also potentially adding a new compact truck or another model to the lineup. These considerations are in line with Toyota’s broader plans of introducing a wide range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and potentially plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in the near future.
Earlier this year, Toyota announced a significant investment of $1.3 billion in a Kentucky plant to produce a new all-electric, three-row SUV specifically designed for the U.S. market. Additionally, the company’s Thailand branch confirmed plans to produce an all-electric version of its small Hilux pickup for global markets. Hollis expressed enthusiasm for the electric Hilux model but remained cautious about speculating on its potential availability in the U.S. market. However, he confirmed that Toyota is currently exploring both BEV and PHEV versions of the Tacoma and Tundra trucks.
Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, particularly in the pickup truck segment, there are currently only five all-electric pickup trucks available for sale in the U.S. These models are predominantly priced as luxury vehicles, with prices ranging from $50,000 to well over $100,000. Sales of these vehicles have somewhat slowed down after an initial rush by automakers to introduce them to the market. At the same time, there are no plug-in hybrid electric pickups currently available for sale in the U.S.
In response to the evolving landscape of the EV market, Toyota is among several automakers reassessing its product portfolio to align with changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. The slower-than-expected adoption of electric vehicles, coupled with the Biden administration’s revised emissions rules that acknowledge the role of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, is prompting industry leaders to reevaluate their strategies. José Muñoz, Hyundai’s president and global chief operating officer, recently shared that the company is also considering a shift from exclusively producing all-electric vehicles at a new plant in Georgia. This adaptability reflects a broader trend within the automotive industry of staying flexible and responsive to market demands.
As Toyota continues to weigh its options and evaluate the potential for introducing electric versions of its popular truck models, the company remains committed to meeting customer needs, complying with regulations, and staying competitive in the evolving automotive landscape. The future of Toyota’s U.S. truck lineup seems poised to embrace electric technology, reflecting a broader industry shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
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