Toyota is delaying production of a new EV model, citing “production preparation issues.” The company denies that the move is related to wavering EV demand, but won’t begin building the new model until 2026 at its plant in Kentucky.
The automaker initially planned to build the vehicle, which is expected to be called the bZ5X, starting in the second half of 2025, with deliveries starting late that year or early 2026. Toyota said it would also cut the number of electric models it produces in North America and notified suppliers of the move.
Toyota’s decision may also impact an upcoming Lexus EV, though it did not comment on that model during the announcement. The company’s slow-roll approach to electrification took heat early on, as several other automakers were going full-bore on EV plans, but its approach doesn’t seem so irresponsible now. EV sales are still growing but are expanding slower than expected.
We don’t yet know if Toyota will change its plans to release ten new EVs through 2026, which would include up to seven new vehicles in the United States. The automaker cut its EV sales forecast last month, lowering it from 1.5 million BEVs by 2026 to one million.
Despite needing to back-peddle a bit, Toyota may actually be in a better position to weather any blips in EV demand going forward. While other automakers have moved toward more hybrids and PHEVs, Toyota already had several such models in its catalog, giving it a bit more breathing room as buyers gravitate toward cheaper electrified vehicles.
[Images: Toyota]
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