Toyota enters electric vehicle race, promises to launch EV truck in 2026

Toyota is charging headfirst into the electric vehicle race, and the automaker’s latest announcements have left enthusiasts buzzing. At a recent event in Brussels, Toyota unveiled a trio of updated and new EVs, including the revamped bZ4X, the sleek C-HR+, and the compact Urban Cruiser. While these models are tailored for the European market, their global appeal hints at potential rollouts in regions like the U.S.

But the real showstopper was a shadowy teaser slide revealing three additional EVs slated for release by 2026. Among them, one silhouette stood out: a pickup truck. Though Toyota remained tight-lipped about specifics, the image has sparked widespread speculation. Could this be the long-awaited electric Tacoma or Hilux? Or perhaps something entirely new?

The electric vehicle race intensifies, Toyota makes latest entry

Toyota’s foray into electric trucks isn’t entirely uncharted territory. The automaker has already announced an EV Hilux model for the Thai market, though its limited range and single-cab design cater to a niche audience. The teased truck, however, appears to be a double-cab, hinting at a more versatile, lifestyle-oriented vehicle.

Adding fuel to the fire is the 2023 Toyota EPU Concept, a unibody electric truck with a pass-through bed that stretches from 4.5 to 8 feet. Described as a lifestyle vehicle with robust capabilities, the EPU Concept could be a blueprint for Toyota’s electric truck ambitions.

The third silhouette in the teaser is less mysterious. It’s widely believed to be the Land Cruiser Se, an all-electric version of Toyota’s iconic SUV. The Land Cruiser Se concept, showcased at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, has already garnered significant attention, and its presence at the Brussels event further cements its place in Toyota’s EV lineup.

Toyota’s European CEO, Yoshihiro Nakata, emphasized the company’s commitment to blending lifestyle enhancement with carbon neutrality. “BEVs will become an ever-more accepted part of life,” he said, hinting at a future where Toyota’s EVs cater to both practicality and luxury.

With competitors like Ford, Chevrolet, and Rivian already making waves in the electric truck space, Toyota’s entry could be a game-changer. As the automaker gears up for its electric future, one thing is clear: Toyota is ready to redefine what it means to drive electric.

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