This Is Why Toyota Isn't In A Rush To Deal In EVs

Image credit : Toyota USA Newsroom Given how well-received Toyota's hybrid vehicles have been, one would assume that the automaker would embrace full electrification as quickly as some of its rivals have. The manufacturer appears to be approaching EVs in a fairly contentious manner, and a leaked dealer document detailing the brand's electrification plan explains why. This PDF was supplied to me by a Toyota dealer contact as a direct message from Toyota corporate, outlining why dealers can anticipate seeing more hybrid vehicles on their lots rather than as many EVs or PHEVs. [caption id="attachment_174388" align="aligncenter" width="1315"] Toyota RAV4 (Image credit : Toyota)[/caption] Toyota also emphasizes that there is still much work to be done before the U.S. charging infrastructure is ready to support an increase in the number of fully electric vehicle models on American roads. The fact that EVs and PHEVs can be more expensive than petrol or hybrid vehicles is another barrier for the majority of Americans. Dealers and manufactures are reporting a decline in interest in EV/PHEV vehicles now that the Inflation Reduction Act has prevented a sizable portion of those vehicles from being eligible for the tax credit. Also read : Toyota CEO explains their future EV strategy while “playing to win” Toyota still offers EV and PHEV cars, but the bZ4X is having trouble catching on while the RAV4 Prime is still popular. The carmaker has a reputation for being wary of the market and has historically adopted the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy when it comes to vehicle development. Although electric vehicles may be the way of the future, it appears that most automobile purchasers currently choose something in the middle.