Toyota's China U-turn: New EV Runs on Gasoline Too
Part of composite article Chinese EVs Are Eating Europe Alive: Sales Up 62.7% as BYD Beats Tesla View full article →
Toyota will build an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) in China, a first for the Japanese automaker.
An EREV runs on battery power, but a small gasoline engine recharges the battery when it runs low. Drivers can plug in to charge, or refuel at a gas station. This removes "range anxiety" — the fear of running out of power on a long trip.
Toyota has been slow to sell pure electric cars, favoring hybrids instead. Now it is turning to EREVs to catch up in China, the world's largest car market.
The company has not said when the model will launch or what it will cost. Production will take place in China, where EREVs are already popular.