√Toyota changing course on its electric vehicle strategy

Tesla and BYD are the targets as Toyota takes a fresh look at its strategy and works on an electric vehicle reboot.

Toyota is re-considering its roll-out of electric cars as insiders admit they could have under-called the worldwide move to electrification, according to a new report.

It is said to now be considering a dedicated electric ‘skateboard’ platform to underpin future models, instead of relying on its e-TNGA electric-car platform – converted from a petrol and diesel car architecture – according to a report from Automotive News Europe.

The report claims Toyota is looking ways to accelerate its production plans – while delaying other upcoming models, to make them more competitive.

It also says Toyota is considering introducing new technology from its suppliers, and improving the profitability of its electric cars.

“Toyota is expected to outline adjustments to its electric-vehicle strategy to key suppliers early next year, as it races to narrow the gap on price and performance with industry leaders Tesla and BYD, two people with knowledge of the work said,”Automotive News reported.

Toyota is said to have established a working group under its former chief competitive officer and chairman of advanced engineering, 67-year-old Shigeki Terashi, to find ways to improve the profitability of and technology in its electric cars.

Work on some of the electric-car projects announced at an event late last year has reportedly been suspended, while Toyota is considering replacing its dedicated electric platform – e-TNGA, developed three years ago from an existing petrol package – ahead of schedule, in favour of a ground-up ‘skateboard’ chassis.

The e-TNGA platform was intended to make an easier electric transition, as it allowed electric, hybrid and petrol vehicles to be produced on the same assembly lines.

The platform was also created around a target of 3.5 million electric Toyotas a year by 2030 – about one-third of its current sales volume – but industry estimates suggest the true global demand by that date may be much stronger.

The launch of Toyota’s first fully-electric vehicle, the bZ4X, was marred by a recall and a stoppage on sales caused by a wheel-nut problem – which has since been solved – which could result in vehicles losing their wheels.

Now, with the first stage of its electrification plan underway, Automotive News believes any changes will be to development of future models on the e-TNGA platform.

“Adjustments to this phase are the changes likely to be outlined to suppliers early next year,” it said.

The publication reports delays may hit the next generations of the Toyota BZ4X and Lexus RZ – the current versions of which are slated to reach Australia next year – which would be due in the second half of the decade.

This new report is an evolution of one from news agency Reuters in October, which suggested Toyota was looking to reshuffle its electric-car plans.

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