In an exciting move towards electrification, Toyota has plans to make its popular SUV, the Kluger, fully electric. This development is part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to introduce more battery-powered vehicles. Although no specific timeline has been provided, US publication CarBuzz has reported on this upcoming transformation.
Toyota’s investment of US$1.3 billion (A$2 billion) in its Kentucky factory earlier this year is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to produce a three-row electric SUV. According to CarBuzz, this new electric model will replace the current Kluger, which was first produced in 2019.
While the details regarding the electric Kluger remain limited, the report suggests that a petrol-powered seven-seat version will still be available. Additionally, the larger Grand Highlander will retain its petrol and hybrid drivetrains. This means that Toyota aims to offer a diverse range of options to cater to different customer preferences.
Toyota’s Kentucky factory is currently responsible for manufacturing popular models like the Toyota RAV4, Camry, and Lexus ES for the North American market. Meanwhile, the Highlander/Kluger is produced in Indiana for almost all global markets except China, where local production takes place.
According to CarBuzz, there are further plans for a Lexus variant based on the electric Kluger, potentially named the TZ. This aligns with the recent unveiling of the Grand Highlander variant called the TX by Lexus. These developments indicate Toyota and Lexus’s joint dedication to expanding their electric lineup.
While specific details are yet to be revealed, Toyota showcased a concept that may give us a glimpse of what the electric Kluger could resemble. The bZ Large SUV concept and 15 other prototypes were unveiled in December 2021. This move comes in response to criticism surrounding Toyota’s slow EV rollout and increased demand for hybrid technology.
In Australia alone, the Kluger saw a 17% decrease in sales in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, hybrid variants accounted for the majority of local orders, with 6966 units sold. The Kluger Hybrids ranked as the fourth best-selling hybrid in Australia last year, following other successful Toyota models like the RAV4, Corolla, and Camry.
Toyota’s push towards electrification with the electric Kluger showcases the brand’s dedication to providing environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles. With this bold step, Toyota continues to shape the future of the automotive industry and meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Toyota’s Plans for Electric Kluger
Q: What is Toyota’s plan regarding the electrification of its popular SUV, the Kluger?
A: Toyota plans to make the Kluger fully electric as part of its efforts to introduce more battery-powered vehicles.
Q: Has Toyota provided a specific timeline for this transformation?
A: No specific timeline has been provided yet.
Q: How much did Toyota invest in its Kentucky factory earlier this year?
A: Toyota invested US$1.3 billion (A$2 billion) in its Kentucky factory.
Q: What does Toyota’s investment in the Kentucky factory indicate?
A: It indicates the company’s commitment to producing a three-row electric SUV, replacing the current Kluger.
Q: Will there still be a petrol-powered version of the Kluger available?
A: Yes, according to the report, a petrol-powered seven-seat version will still be available alongside the electric Kluger.
Q: What other Toyota models are produced at the Kentucky factory?
A: The Kentucky factory manufactures popular models like the Toyota RAV4, Camry, and Lexus ES for the North American market.
Q: Where is the Highlander/Kluger currently produced?
A: The Highlander/Kluger is produced in Indiana for almost all global markets except China.
Q: Are there plans for a Lexus variant based on the electric Kluger?
A: Yes, there are plans for a Lexus variant, potentially named the TZ, based on the electric Kluger.
Q: How is Toyota’s electric lineup expanding?
A: Toyota and Lexus are expanding their electric lineup with plans for electric variants like the Kluger and the recently unveiled TX by Lexus.
Q: Did Toyota showcase any concept that gives a glimpse of the electric Kluger?
A: Toyota showcased the bZ Large SUV concept, which may resemble the electric Kluger.
Q: How did the Kluger perform in the Australian market?
A: In 2023, the Kluger saw a 17% decrease in sales compared to the previous year, but hybrid variants accounted for the majority of local orders.
Q: What are Toyota’s goals with the electric Kluger?
A: Toyota aims to provide environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles with its push towards electrification and the electric Kluger.
Key Terms and Jargon:
1. Electrification: The process or transition of using electric power or electrically powered components instead of traditional fuel-powered systems in vehicles.
2. SUV: Short for Sport Utility Vehicle, a popular type of vehicle that combines elements of a passenger car with features of an off-road vehicle or MPV.
3. Petrol-powered: Refers to vehicles that are powered by gasoline/petrol engines.
4. Hybrid: A type of vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
5. Drivetrain: The system of components that delivers power from the engine to the wheels of a vehicle.
Suggested Related Links:
1. Toyota Official Website
2. Lexus Official Website
3. Toyota Global Website