Toyota’s Electric Game-Changer: Europe’s First Locally Built EVs Are Officially Coming
Toyota Plants Its Electric Flag in Europe
From 2028, something historic is about to roll off the production lines in the heart of Europe. Toyota, the world’s largest carmaker, is officially starting production of fully electric vehicles (EVs) on European soil. The chosen birthplace? The factory in Kolín, Czech Republic—a site with its own fair share of automotive history. According to Japanese news outlet Nikkei, Toyota’s aim is nothing short of ambitious: the plant will manufacture a whopping 100,000 electric vehicles every year. Now, that’s what you call cranking it up a gear!
This isn’t just another corporate update tacked onto Toyota’s timeline. For the very first time, Toyota will make EVs locally in Europe. The signal is clear: the brand is gearing up to conquer the European EV market in earnest—and to face the ever-tightening emissions regulations head-on.
A New Electric SUV: Leading Toyota’s Charge
Alright, so we know the where. But what about the what? Fans, get ready, because Toyota isn’t jumping in with just any model—it’s launching a brand-new electric SUV as the first to emerge from Kolín. This SUV fits squarely into current consumer demand and will serve as a crucial part of Toyota’s ambitious electric offensive. Those waiting for a reason to get excited about Toyota’s EV journey finally have something to look forward to.
And make no mistake: this offensive isn’t a modest update. By 2026, Toyota wants to offer no less than 14 fully electric models in European showrooms. This line-up includes the much-anticipated electric C-HR+ and a thoroughly revamped bZ4X. The upcoming electric SUV, crafted in the Czech Republic, will become a key player in a much broader and more diverse offering.
Why Now? Pressure, Ambition, and the Inevitable Switch
You might be wondering—why is Toyota making this move right now? It’s the result of a powerful cocktail: external pressure and internal drive. On one hand, the European Union keeps raising the bar, with the 2035 deadline looming large. By then, new petrol and diesel cars will be a thing of the past, at least in EU dealerships. Toyota’s target? Achieve full climate neutrality in Europe by 2040. Quite the challenge, given that currently, less than 2% of its total sales are fully electric cars. Shifting to local EV production isn’t just a choice—it’s pure necessity.
At the same time, Toyota is coming to terms with what many have already accepted: the future is electric. Still, the company’s approach remains level-headed. Case in point: production of a large electric SUV in the US was recently delayed due to weaker demand. Yet, Toyota’s long-term European vision hasn’t wavered. Local production is seen as the golden ticket to success.
Local Production: The Smart Move for Europe
You don’t need to be an industry expert to see why building cars where you sell them makes sense. The advantages are pretty compelling:
- Shorter, more efficient supply chains
- Lower transport costs
- Reduced CO₂ footprint throughout the process
- Better control to satisfy the EU’s strict CO₂ goals and looming Euro 7 emission standards
- Potentially making EVs more affordable for consumers
The Kolín facility itself isn’t some hastily chosen industrial relic, either. Established in 2002 as a joint venture with PSA Group (Peugeot Citroën), it’s been fully Toyota-owned since 2021. Today, popular models such as the Toyota Aygo X and Yaris already roll off its lines. Soon, a fully electric sibling will join the family.
What European Toyota Fans Can Expect Next
If you’re already driving a Toyota or thinking about flirting with electric in the near future, the coming years are about to get much more interesting. With local production, buyers can expect:
- Shorter delivery times
- Potentially sharper prices
- A model perfectly tailored to European roads and regulations
The years ahead promise more excitement (and fewer tailpipes) as Toyota firmly rises to the challenge and embraces the battle on the European EV market. If you’ve been waiting for a sign that Toyota is serious about going electric in Europe, consider this your green light.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
