Toyota to build large electric SUV in US from 2025

Japanese car giant Toyota – the world’s biggest automaker by production volume – has announced it will begin manufacturing a large electric SUV in the US from 2025.

While Toyota didn’t name the model, it’s expected the vehicle will be based on the BZ Large SUV concept, and could eventually adopt the BZ5X badge within the BZ family of electric vehicles.

Few details were released about the forthcoming model, but Toyota described the vehicle as a “three-row SUV”, suggesting it could have between six and eight seats when it eventually goes on sale.

It’s expected the model will compete directly with the forthcoming Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7, along with a future seven-seater SUV recently announced by Ford.

The electric Toyota SUV will be built at the company’s Kentucky factory, with batteries made at its new production facility in North Carolina – ensuring the vehicle will be eligible for attractive US Government tax credits.

MORE: Toyota’s top scientist claims hybrids are better for coal-burning nations, such as Australia

Toyota began building its Kentucky plant in 2021, with the facility now employing 9500 workers who help build the Camry sedan and RAV4 Hybrid SUV for the North American market.

Despite being a pioneer of hybrid technology, Toyota has been criticised in recent years for lagging its roll out of electric vehicles, only releasing its first dedicated electric model – the BZ4X – in mid 2022.

Toyota’s top scientist recently argued hybrid vehicles are better for the environment in countries that are reliant on electricity made from burning coal – such as Australia – while electric vehicles are better suited to countries with renewable electricity.

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