According to Automotive News, Japan’s auto industry leader Toyota announced today that it will work with “allied automakers” to develop a small electric commercial van and a light electric pickup truck with hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Toyota said it will work with leading minicar companies Daihatsu and Suzuki to develop small electric commercial vans. The project is scheduled to begin production in 2023, with mass sales at the appropriate time. Toyota expects to build about 580 vans, and they will be used to transport goods in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures. Toyota said the project aims to promote the widespread use of electric vehicles.
It’s worth noting that small vehicles are a market segment primarily for Japan, where smaller vehicles are more passable and can access many areas where larger vehicles cannot. Small commercial vehicles account for about 60 percent of the entire commercial vehicle fleet in Japan.
In addition, Toyota will work with truck makers Isuzu Motors and Hino Motors to develop an electric pickup truck with hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project is scheduled to last until March 2030, and there is no exact delivery date.
Due to the chip shortage and the new crown epidemic, Toyota will continue to reduce production in August, global production will be reduced by 20%, including the electric vehicle (EV) production line in Japan will be shut down for one month.
