One of the most popular brands in the world has unveiled plans to introduce three new electric cars into the UK market in a bid to avoid Labour’s punishing net zero penalties.
The move by Japanese carmaker Toyota would see the company ramp up its electric car offering, which is currently making up less than 10 per cent of sales across the UK.
The carmaker has just one electric car on the market at present, the Toyota bZ4X, while it has two models under its premium Lexus marque.
The new lineup includes a relaunched, upgraded bZ4X, an all-electric C-HR+ version of its popular family crossover and an all-new smaller Urban Cruiser crossover.
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The new electric vehicles aim to increase the carmaker’s sales to stay compliant with UK regulations
TOYOTA
Toyota said its new range will cover all key sales segments from small to mid-sized electric family cars.The new bZ4X will offer two lithium-ion battery options with different power capacities.
It will also feature stronger electric motors with an output of up to 338bhp and optional all-wheel drive capability, the brand detailed.
Meanwhile, the all-new Urban Cruiser is a compact SUV which features two battery pack options using lithium-iron phosphate technology.
All three models are scheduled for launch in 2025, though prices and certified journey ranges have yet to be released.
Toyota also revealed plans to continue growing its battery-electric range with six new models, hoping to arrive in the UK and Europe by the end of 2026.
Other plans include the concept microcar called the FT-Me, competing with the Renault Twizy and Citroën Ami. The urban vehicle promises a 100-mile range and a top speed of 28mph for areas where conventional vehicles face restrictions.
According to the manufacturer, the FT-Me would fall into a regulatory category similar to mopeds, allowing teenagers to use it without a full driving licence.
Toyota had previously believed the path to lower emissions was through its range of hybrid models rather than EVs. Due to the carmakers’ focus on hybrids, it has laggedbehindrival manufacturers who have already launched multiple electric vehicles into the UK market.
However, due to the company’s range of low CO2-emitting vehicles, it receives certain exemptions from the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires all new car sales to be electric by 2035, with at least 28 per cent being electric by the end of this year.
Under the mandate, carmakers which fail to adhere to the rules can be fined £15,000 per non-compliant vehicle. Toyota warned that its actual target is believed to be nearer 16 per cent, falling heavily short of the 28-percentage mark.
Matt Harrison, Toyota Europe’s chief corporate officer, told The Times that there is a “widening gap between consumer demand and the goals and ambitions of regulators.”
Toyota has been lobbying UK and EU ministers alongside other manufacturers for a relaxation of the ZEV targets, citing both the industry and drivers not being ready to fully embrace electric vehicles.
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The C-HR+ will arrive in the UK offering a new electric SUV for families to purchase
TOYOTA
The EU has already moved to ease requirements with the UK considering watering down the ZEV mandate following industry pressure.
In the UK, one in four new car sales last month were all-electric, while across the European Union, that number dipped to just one in seven.