Toyota and Lexus Develop New Platform for Hybrids and EVs

KatadataOTO – Toyota and Lexus are trying to simplify their products. While previously the development of electric vehicles and internal combustion engines was separate, in the future, the situation will change.

It cannot be denied that developing electric vehicles separately offers many advantages. This is because manufacturers can make the car's wheelbase longer, adding more space for battery storage while keeping the cabin spacious.

But this advantage also has a negative impact on companies with a wide range of models like Toyota. The number of models in dealerships becomes too large and can confuse consumers.

Furthermore, the current development of electric vehicles is also proceeding at an unpredictable pace. As a result, manufacturers cannot respond to demand effectively.

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“We have been focusing on a wide variety of vehicles, which creates complex challenges. We need to simplify the choices and find the best platform for PHEVs, HEVs, and EVs,” said Andrea Carlucci, VP of Toyota-Lexus Europe, as reported by Autoblog (26/05).

The Lexus ES will be the model that guides the company in the future. This is because the car will be available as both a hybrid car and an electric vehicle.

The platform used is codenamed Lexus GA-K and has been designed to accommodate both technologies. The company is even free to use a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive system.

Not only that, but in the future, both the exterior and interior designs can be adjusted, making it more flexible in meeting market needs.

This convenience will certainly benefit the company in future vehicle development.

Not All Models Will Be Simplified

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Although planning to make the platform more flexible to use all technologies, the Japanese manufacturer insists on maintaining the strengths of several key models. They are aware that there are cars whose character cannot be changed and must receive special attention.

“I think this simplification cannot be applied to all cars, especially the GR models. Because their presence is not just for profit but also for the true value of Toyota,” he concluded.