Toyota Intends To Expand Electric Vehicle Model, EV Version Highlander?

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (source: Toyota USA)

JAKARTA - It is no secret that Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota are focusing on developing hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hydrogen fuel cells in order to implement the multi-path strategies it has launched.

However, the manufacturer, which was founded in 1937, still has plans to present battery-based electric vehicles (BEVs) in the coming years. In fact, the company plans to make a surprise by presenting the BEV of the existing car.

Reporting from CarBuzz, Wednesday, April 17, Toyota confirmed that it will convert the large Higlander SUV into electric vehicles. It is planned that the model will be assembled at the Kentucky factory, USA.

Furthermore, the presence of the BEV version of the Highlander will be followed by the birth of another large-dimensional SUV from Lexus named TZ. In fact, this luxury brand has submitted the name to the patent office at the end of last year.

"We're always committed to building a BEV and you'll see more BEVs from Toyota in the future," said Toyota North America General Manager David Christ.

However, Toyota does not want to leave completely ICE-engined cars. It is likely that models like the larger Grand Highlander will continue the conventional powertrain by offering hybrid and PHEV options.

In addition, the company also intends to add to the ranks of hybrid vehicles in the US following the launch of 4Runner, Camry, Land Cruiser, and Crown Signia. There is a possibility that sports models such as Supra and GR86 will become hybrid vehicles in the future, but Toyota is still silent about it.

However, Christ added that his party will increase the ranks of electrified vehicles in the future by increasing the number of models with the PHEV system for the US market.

"We will expand the availability of plug-in across the product lineup quite quickly," added Christ.

Unfortunately, the company did not name the model that will be available in the PHEV version. However, rumors circulated that the next model to get the option was the Sequoia SUV and two Tundra and Tacoma pickups.