The Japanese carmaker aims to produce 3 million units annually in China by the end of this decade
Toyota plans to open its first independent car manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China by 2027 to make Lexus EVs. This is a part of the expansion in China to double the capacity by 2030. Despite the recent slowdown in EV demand, Toyota is working towards preparing for an all-EV world. However, I must mention that it continues to take the multi-energy approach with hybrids and hydrogen along with pure electric powertrains. In line with that, it wants to dominate the largest car market on the planet.
You might also like: Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Revealed, It’s A Suzuki e Vitara Underneath
Toyota To Make Lexus EV In New China Plant
As per a Nikkei Asia report, Lexus has a target to achieve 100% global sales from EVs by 2035. Not only that, it wants to sell 1 million EVs by 2030. That is clearly an ambitious goal. Note that it managed to sell 180,000 cars in China last year. This marks a marginal 3% increase on a year-on-year basis which is impressive in comparison to other foreign carmakers who struggled quite a bit.
Remember, until now, Toyota used to build cars in China via joint ventures with local players. The FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota are prime examples of that. This is because prior to 2018, foreign car companies had to involve a local company to establish manufacturing facilities in China. However, since this is not the case anymore, Toyota wants to go solo this time around. It wants to leverage cheap, skilled and efficient labor to create affordable EVs.
While it is not clear which models will be made in China, it is possible that we could see the Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL in the flesh which have been showcased as concepts already. They will use the next-generation EV architecture which boasts gigacasted modular front, center, and rear portions. Furthermore, there will be structurally independent front and rear sections to integrate new and improved batteries. The plans to launch these EVs are in 2027. That is the exact time by which the new production facility will become operational.
You might also like: 2025 Lexus RZ Now Costs Less Than Toyota bz4X
Learn Electric Cars Says
Toyota has clear ambitions to expand its portfolio in the largest car market on the planet. Also, it wants to do it alone without any partners. Therefore, it will be interesting to experience the trajectory of how its future plans come to fruition. I shall keep an eye out for further developments in this regard.