Toyota Scales Back Electric Vehicle Production

Written by Kathrine Frich

Sep.08 - 2024 8:46 PM CET

Autos
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
This adjustment reflects the broader challenges the electric vehicle industry is facing.

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Toyota Motor has announced a significant reduction in its electric vehicle (EV) production targets for 2026, scaling back its initial plan by one-third.

1% of Global Sales

Originally aiming to produce 1.5 million EVs, the Japanese automaker now plans to manufacture just 1 million, according to a press release.

This adjustment reflects the broader challenges the electric vehicle industry is facing. Despite governmental pushes and environmental initiatives, consumer interest in EVs remains lower than expected.

Electric vehicles currently account for only 1% of Toyota’s total global sales.

Toyota isn’t the only automaker making changes. U.S. manufacturers like Ford and General Motors have also delayed or canceled the launch of new electric models. This move aims to reduce the substantial costs associated with EV production, as the demand for these vehicles hasn’t grown as quickly as many had anticipated.

Long Charging Times

While the European Union continues to promote the shift to electric, major hurdles remain. The high cost of electric cars, combined with concerns over their reliability, is slowing widespread adoption.

Additionally, electric vehicles face issues such as limited driving range, an inadequate number of charging stations, and long charging times compared to the quick refueling of gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

Although automakers are still committed to a greener future, this recalibration suggests that the road to widespread electric vehicle adoption may take longer than previously thought.