Toyota weighing electric, plug-in Tacoma and Tundra pickups

new york – toyota motors is considering expanding its U.S. truck lineup to potentially include all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric versions of its Tacoma and Tundra pickups.

Jack Hollis, executive vice president of Toyota Motor North America, said the Japanese automaker is evaluating what makes the most sense based on expected customer demand and tightening federal emissions and fuel efficiency regulations. He said he was evaluating options to make a decision.

“I think there’s room to expand the overall truck footprint, whether it’s a Tundra, Tacoma or something else in addition to the lineup,” Hollis told CNBC Tuesday during the New York Auto Forum conference. told. “I think it’s important to continue to look at what our customers are looking for, whether it’s a compact or something else.”

Toyota has previously discussed a broad lineup of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), including midsize pickup models like the segment-leading Tacoma. In a recent conversation, the potential of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) was introduced.

Toyota announced earlier this year that it would invest $1.3 billion in a Kentucky factory to produce a new all-electric three-row SUV for the U.S. market. The president of the automaker in Thailand reported this week that Toyota has confirmed that it will produce a BEV version of the Hilux light pickup truck for the global market. Reuters.

Mr Hollis said the electric Hilux was “very cool”. He declined to speculate on whether Toyota could bring the car to the United States.

But he acknowledged that the company is “looking at both” BEV and PHEV versions of the Tacoma, as well as a full-size Tundra. The Tundra was last redesigned for the 2022 model year, followed by the Tacoma last year.

“We’re evaluating both. There’s a reason why BEVs can work, there’s a reason why PHEVs can work,” he said, posing a question. What’s the best mix to base it on?”Or even a 4Runner or Sequoia. [SUVs]? ”

There are currently five all-electric pickup trucks on sale in the U.S., but the prices are still higher for luxury vehicles than for mass-market models. Prices range from $50,000 to well over $100,000, and sales have slowed significantly since automakers rushed to bring all-electric pickups to market.

Plug-in hybrid electric pickups are not currently sold in the United States. Stellantis Later this year, the Ram brand plans to launch an “extended range” plug-in vehicle with a generator to power the engine.

While the introduction of EVs is slower than usual, Toyota is an automaker that is reviewing its product portfolio in light of the Biden administration’s revised emissions regulations aimed at taking better account of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is one of the companies.

Jose Muñoz, Hyundai’s president and global chief operating officer, told CNBC on Wednesday that the company is reconsidering plans to produce only all-electric vehicles at a new plant it is building in Georgia.

“Everything is on the table,” Munoz said. “We will adjust to market demand and are on track for now in line with regulatory requirements,” he said.