Toyota’s EV Comeback: 15 New Models, Global Expansion, and a Million-Unit Ambition

• Toyota plans to launch 15 EVs and reach 1 million annual EV sales globally by 2027.

• Production will expand across the U.S., China, Japan, Thailand, and Argentina, including a three-row SUV built in Kentucky.

• Solid-state battery development and Tesla-style gigacasting mark a technological leap forward for Toyota's EV roadmap.

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Toyota’s Big Electric Shift: A Calculated Comeback to the EV Race

Once a pioneer of automotive electrification with the Prius, Toyota has long prioritized hybrids and resisted the full-electric wave sweeping the industry. But that stance is changing—and fast. Between now and 2027, the world’s largest automaker is planning a bold transformation that could redefine its position in the global EV race.

While competitors like Tesla and BYD race ahead, Toyota has been biding its time. Now, it’s setting an ambitious course: 15 new electric vehicle (EV) models, a goal of 1 million EVs sold annually, and manufacturing expansions spanning from Asia to the Americas.

If you’ve been wondering when Toyota would finally go all-in on EVs—this is it.

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From Hesitation to Hyperdrive: Why Now?

Toyota’s pivot is notable not just because of the scale, but because of the timing. While rivals are pulling back—delaying EV launches, scaling down investments—Toyota is leaning in. It's an unexpected reversal from a company once reluctant to bet fully on battery electric vehicles.

But for Toyota, the EV strategy has always been about flexibility. Rather than chasing trends, the automaker has embraced a multi-pathway approach, investing in hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and now, full battery EVs. As Toyota sees it, electrification isn't one-size-fits-all—and that belief is baked into its product roadmap.

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What’s Coming: A Global Product and Production Blitz

Toyota’s roadmap calls for 15 electric models by 2027, including several under its luxury arm, Lexus. Among the headliners:

Manufacturing is going global, with new EV facilities in Thailand, Argentina, Japan, and the United States. And this isn’t just about volume—it’s about building smarter.

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The Technology That’ll Power the Shift

Toyota’s $13.6 billion bet on solid-state batteries could be its EV ace. The company plans to commercialize this tech by 2027 or 2028, promising:

• 10-minute charging times

• Up to 750 miles (1,200 km) of range

If achieved, that would outpace nearly every existing battery-electric powertrain on the market today.

At the same time, Toyota is developing Tesla-style gigacasting—a high-efficiency method of producing major vehicle parts in just minutes. The company has already demonstrated prototypes and plans to implement this technique in a 2026 EV model.

These innovations could give Toyota the edge it needs to make up for lost time—and then some.

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Market Realities and Delays: Not Everything Is Smooth Sailing

Toyota’s EV push isn’t without hiccups. In late 2023, it delayed U.S. production of its flagship three-row EV SUV to early 2026, citing broader market uncertainties. The model will be built in Kentucky, with batteries sourced from a dedicated North Carolina factory.

Still, Toyota isn’t pulling back. In fact, its move may reflect strategic patience more than hesitation—waiting until both supply chains and consumer demand are more aligned.

Globally, Toyota still lags rivals in EV volume:

• Toyota EV sales (2024): ~140,000 units

• Tesla (2024): 1.76 million

• BYD (2024): 4.27 million

That’s just 2% of Toyota’s total global sales, but if its 2027 plan holds, that share could jump to 35%—a seismic shift for a company that built its reputation on combustion and hybrid tech.

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The Road Ahead: Will Toyota Overtake or Trail Behind?

Toyota’s EV strategy isn’t the fastest—but it might be one of the most sustainable. By balancing cutting-edge innovation with conservative scaling, the automaker is positioning itself for long-term EV dominance rather than a short-term publicity win.

As the world watches Tesla innovate and legacy automakers recalibrate, Toyota is finally stepping into the arena with serious intent.

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 Final Thoughts

Toyota’s late arrival to the EV race might not be a misstep—it could be a masterstroke. With a global EV lineup on the horizon, billion-dollar battery investments, and smart production strategies, the brand that once pioneered hybrids may once again set the standard for sustainable mobility.

Source: Toyota

For a deeper dive into the current and upcoming models and concepts from Toyota, [click here].