Toyota Delays U.S. EV Production to 2026

A company spokesperson said Toyota encountered minor setbacks that pushed back the target date from late 2025.

Toyota-EV-production-Kentucky-plant
Toyota will produce an all-electric, three-row SUV at the Kentucky plant.

Toyota Motor Corp. has revised its schedule for the production of its inaugural U.S.-made EV, pushing the start from late 2025 to 2026. The vehicle, a three-row battery electric SUV, is set to be assembled at Toyota's Georgetown, KY, plant.

Earlier this year, Toyota committed $1.3 billion to prepare the assembly plant for EV production, part of a broader $10 billion infusion into the Kentucky site.

“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to vehicle electrification and further reinvesting in our U.S. operations. Generations of our team members helped prepare for this opportunity, and we will continue leading the charge into the future by remaining true to who we are as a company and putting our people first for generations to come,” said Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky.

A Toyota spokesperson said Oct. 2 the initial timeline for production had encountered minor setbacks, necessitating a few months' delay and setting a new target for the beginning of 2026.

Despite these delays, Toyota remains ambitious in its EV roadmap. The automaker plans to introduce at least seven all-electric vehicles in the U.S. over the next two years. Currently, Toyota offers two all-electric models in the U.S., the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ 450e, both of which are manufactured in Japan.

Additionally, Toyota aims to begin producing a second all-electric SUV in Princeton, IN, by late 2026. The company has announced a $1.4 billion investment in the Indiana facility and has contributed $11.1 million to enhance STEM education programs within the state’s schools.

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