Toyota Could Bring PHEV Tech to the Tacoma and Tundra
Toyota has already moved to a hybrid setup in the Tacoma, Sequoia, and Tundra, but it’s not done electrifying its truck and SUV catalog. Autoguide recently reported that the automaker is considering its powertrain offerings in those vehicles to include plug-in hybrid variants.
David Crist, Toyota’s group VP and GM of Toyota Motor North America, said, “We’re looking across the lineup to see where plug-in hybrid electric vehicles make sense. We do have plans to add the plug-in hybrid model across the lineup.” He went on to confirm that Toyota is considering the Tacoma and Tundra for such a move.
Toyota has leaned on hybrids and plug-in hybrids, even as other automakers invest heavily in EVs and development plans. Crist acknowledged that Toyota took a different approach, saying, “We kind of pick our race and then run our own race.” He also noted concern for Trump’s proposed tariffs, which can significantly inflate prices and slow trade. Toyota has already seen a sales slowdown, with its first drop in two years over the last quarter.
While hybrids are often scorned by enthusiasts, they actually have quite a few advantages that improve the off-road experience. Electric motors make torque at low rpm, helping off-roaders get the grunt they need to tackle tough terrain. There are also fuel economy benefits, which make it easier to drive to a trail, traverse it, and drive home on one tank of fuel.
[Images: Toyota]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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