On September 20, Nikkei Asia and CnEVPost reported that Toyota plans to begin producing extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in China for the first time, broadening its powertrain mix in the world's largest NEV market. Production is slated to start in April 2027.
The plan calls for a gradual ramp: starting at several hundred units a month, with about 200,000 units targeted for 2027 and roughly 400,000 units for 2028. Toyota sold about 200,000 BEVs and 180,000 plug-in hybrids worldwide in 2025, and the China EREV move reflects how foreign joint ventures are localizing electrified powertrains to defend share.
EREVs—which pair a small gasoline range-extender with a battery-electric drivetrain—have surged in popularity in China because they remove range anxiety while keeping EV driving character, and several domestic brands have made the format a volume driver. Toyota's entry signals the format's mainstream acceptance and intensifying competition in the sub-premium SUV and pickup segments.
Industry watchers said the move underscores that global legacy automakers now treat China not just as a sales market but as a NEV technology and product source for global deployment.
Source: Nikkei Asia / CnEVPost
