24-05-2025
Toyota and Lexus to Merge EV, Hybrid Models Into Shared Platforms by 2026
Toyota and Lexus are looking at simplifying their ranges. They will transition away from separate standalone EVs and ICE vehicles. The plan is to build models that run either type of powertrain.
For the past few years, the electric introductions have been unique models. It began with the bZ4X (soon to be renamed bZ) and follows with the bZ Woodland and 2026 C-HR EV. Lexus has the electric RZ, which for 2026 will get a steer-by-wire system and simulated gearshifts.
Meanwhile the gas, hybrid and PHEV hybrid models have continued on their own platforms in their own bodies.
Building specific EVs brings packaging advantages: a long wheelbase for a big battery and lots of passenger space. But it also brings problems. First, it means the number of models in dealerships rises enormously. That confuses consumers.
Second, as the global EV transition proceeds at an unpredictable pace, the manufacturer can't effectively respond to demand.
"We have been focused on a wide range [of vehicles], and that causes a complexity challenge," Andrea Carlucci, Toyota-Lexus European VP in charge of Marketing and Planning, told Autoblog.
"We should simplify the number of silhouettes, with multiple powertrains. We are trying to navigate our way through it. We need to find a platform that's good for PHEV and HEV and EV."
So the new Lexus ES shows the future direction. It's two cars with one nameplate and one body design. It's an EV and a hybrid. The platform, which Lexus codenames GA-K, can run both powertrains. Both hybrid and EV can be had with a choice of FWD or RWD.
Crucially for the manufacturer, all versions come down the same line and share body and interior, so Lexus can be flexible in responding to changing ratios of EV to hybrid buyers.
Carlucci claims the ES is "the right balance for a multi-energy car". That's despite the fact some commentators have noted it doesn't have a class-leading battery size or range. It's 77kWh, and a likely 300 miles.
To fixate on huge batteries is to miss the point, says Lexus Europe's head of product and marketing management, Ayse Mert. She acknowledges many buyers are resisting the switch to electric. "But it's not about infrastructure or product. It's a new recurring behavior and many [in the industry] have underestimated this task." That task is to help people understand the difference between home charging and a weekly visit to the gas station.
Don't worry, not all Toyota's nameplates will become powertrain-agnostic. Carlucci is quick to say, "I don't think simplification for its own sake is good. We won't simplify away the GR models. GR isn't just profit, it's intangible value to Toyota. And we won't stop the Land Cruiser."
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