Toyota Pledges 10 New EVs to Boost Customer Adoption

Toyota is pitching to boost EV take up with a strategy to bring 10 new electrified vehicles to market in the next two or three years.

It has also pledged to commence mass production of EVs in China by next year in a presentation of its latest global strategy by executive vice-president Shigeki Terashi. He spelled out three planks of the new initiative:

* Create new business models employing ultra-compact BEVs, starting in Japan;

* Aim to reduce forecourt prices of BEVs in markets where they are currently gaining traction;

* Improve the performance of battery packs and prepare a system for supplying batteries.

The carmaker says it will also seek to sign up more partnerships within the BEV arena selling the idea of the technology as a benefit to society. At the same time it recognizes existing concerns over range, and current use of transport that can be better met with micro-mobility solutions such as vehicles for one or two passengers instead of a standard sized car.

One such would be a two-person compact four-wheel narrow gauge vehicle, similar to its 2017 i-Ride concept, with a top speed of 38mph and a battery range of 62 miles for the Chinese market. Another is the i-Road, a tilting three-wheeled fully enclosed motor cycle for up to two people with a similar top speed but half the battery range. Scooters and even a wheelchair are also thrown into the strategy mix.

Naturally, Toyota also sees a future for its existing hybrid, PHEV and hydrogen fuel cell technologies depending on relevant markets.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_