Toyota expands all-electric bZ ‘family’

Toyota continues to shift gears out of sync with other OEMs when it comes to building and selling all-electric vehicles. After years of down-playing EV sales in favor of hybrids and PHEVs, Toyota is instead expanding its all-electric line-up of vehicles just as other automakers are canceling or scaling back multiple EV projects (see page X). Just don't go looking for a bunch of new bZ models on dealer lots.

As part of this strategy, Toyota unveiled its largest EV yet, the 2027 Highlander, in February. Applying the name of a popular three-row SUV to what is now an electric-only model is surprising, but the new Highlander should have the performance figures to live up to the name. Toyota will sell two trims, the Limited and XLE, which both use a 95.8-kWh battery to provide an estimated 320 miles (515 km) of range and which can provide off-board power in emergency situations. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the new Highlander will offer up to 338 combined system hp (252 kW) and 323 lb-ft (438 Nm). The vehicle will also boast seating for seven, more than 45 cu ft of rear storage (with the third-row seats folded down) and the latest versions of Toyota's infotainment and Safety Sense Systems. The Highlander will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky while the battery modules will be assembled at the Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC) Battery Plant and at partner suppliers in the U.S.