The world’s largest automaker, Toyota, just announced plans for another new electric vehicle. This one isn’t just another EV. It marks a new milestone for Toyota as it expands its lineup.
Toyota will build a new EV in Europe, its first
Toyota announced plans to build the new EV at its plant in the Czech Republic on Wednesday. It will be the first electric vehicle produced at one of Toyota’s European plants, marking the start of a new era.
To accommodate the new model, Toyota is investing about €680 million ($800 million) to expand the facility from 152,000 to 173,000 square meters. The upgrades will include a new paint and welding shop, in addition to a dedicated battery assembly facility.
The Czech government is providing up to €64 million ($75 million) in funding for a new dedicated EV battery assembly plant.
Lukáš Vlček, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, said the initiative is “the result of a series of negotiations in both Europe and Japan” and will play a key role in the country’s transition to clean mobility.
Toyota currently builds the Aygo X and Yaris Hybrid at its Czech plant with an annual production capacity of around 220,000 vehicles.
Adding the new EV to the mix could boost output at the facility, Toyota said, which will lead to more jobs and a stronger supply chain.
Although Toyota is keeping most details secret for now, a Nikkei report claimed in July that, not one, but several EVs will be built at the facility.
Toyota’s Czech plant will become a “mega hub” for new EVs, starting with crossovers and SUVs. This year, Toyota is launching the updated bZ4X, Ch-R+, and Urban Cruiser.
In 2026, three more will follow. And that doesn’t include the three new Lexus EV models set to launch by the end of next year.
Although Toyota was the second best-selling brand in Europe in the first half of the year, behind Volkswagen, Chinese EV makers like BYD are starting to gain ground with lower-cost models.
By building electric vehicles, batteries, and other components locally, Toyota aims to stay competitive in Europe. Production at Toyota’s Czech plant is expected to start as early as 2028.
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