Toyota postpones its new generation of electric cars

Following recent rumours in the media, Toyota has announced the postponement of the launch of its new generation of electric vehicles until 2027, a strategy that will allow the Japanese manufacturer to make significant advances in technology, production efficiency and model performance. This new phase will be inaugurated by the Lexus LF-ZC, an electric saloon featuring a new platform.

Toyota's new electric architecture will be modular and flexible, allowing greater flexibility in the introduction of new models and upgrades. Production will be based on the use of gigacastings, a process that simplifies manufacturing by fusing large parts of the structure into a few pieces, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Another important innovation will be the replacement of traditional assembly lines by autonomous systems, known as 'mobile assembly lines'. This method uses autonomous platforms to transport components, optimising factory space and speeding up the production process. According to Toyota, this change will not only reduce costs, but also enable the company to adapt more flexibly to market fluctuations.

The Lexus LF-ZC will be the first model to use the new platform and promises to revolutionise the electric saloon segment. With an estimated range of 1,000 km (621 miles) and the ability to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, the model will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including an ultra-light and extremely aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of less than 0.2.

Inspired by the concept presented in 2023, the LF-ZC will have compact dimensions and a futuristic design, conceived to maximise energy efficiency. In addition, the model will feature a new-generation software platform, enabling greater connectivity and better integration with future updates.

More Toyota headlines:

The new Toyota Supra could have up to 600 PS - it will not be electric

Toyota's new small off-roader could look like this

Toyota KAYOIBAKO: An adorable micro camper van of the future

This Corolla is the 5 millionth Toyota built in the UK

Revision of global targets

---

---

At the same time as this postponement, Toyota has adjusted its global production and sales targets for electric vehicles. The initial forecast of selling 1.5 million units by 2026 has been revised to 1 million. In addition, production of the first electric model in the United States, initially scheduled for 2025, has been postponed to 2026.

Gallery: Toyota bZ7 Concept

5

Source: dongchedi

This initiative is part of a wider strategy, called Area 35, which aims to optimise the use of existing plants without the need to build new ones. The initiative includes a 35% reduction in the space needed to produce combustion vehicles, freeing up capacity for electric vehicle assembly lines. This approach will enable Toyota to produce an additional 3.5 million electric vehicles by 2030, while increasing the profitability of its processes.

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team