Toyota releasing 10 electrified vehicles in China

Toyota intends introducing 10 new electrified vehicles in China by 2020.

Among them are plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions of its Corolla and Levin cars, which will be available in 2019, and a battery electric vehicle (BEV) model based on its C-HR/Izoa compact SUV in 2020.

Toyota aims to further accelerate its China-based vehicle electrification efforts by promoting its local production of powertrain components, batteries, inverters, and other core technologies.

The Corolla and Levin PHEVs were unveiled during the opening day of the Auto China 2018 Beijing motor show, April 25-May 4.

Both models are expected to have a BEV driving range of 50km or greater, and in 2019 Toyota will begin producing them in China, marking Toyota’s first overseas production of PHEVs.

Toyota has been working with its Chinese partners and members of the Toyota Group to build a local production base for key components.

Efforts have included the launch in 2015 of production of transaxles for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) at Toyota Motor (Changshu) Auto Parts.

Further demand for electrified vehicles could be met by increasing annual production capacity for nickel-metal hydride battery modules at Sinogy Toyota Automotive Energy System and Corun PEVE Automotive Battery to 220,000 units in 2020.

Toyota is also strengthening its local research and development and production bases. In 2020, it plans to open a new battery testing facility at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) for evaluating battery packs. And, with its sights set on introducing BEVs in 2020, Toyota is steadily enhancing its local production structures.

Toyota sold about 140,000 electrified vehicles in China in 2017.

It is also exploring potential applications for its fuel cell technology there. Last year, Toyota began a three-year verification-test project in China that uses its Mirai FCEV, and it has expanded the scope of feasibility studies to include commercial vehicles such as buses.