Toyota is ready to convey again its iconic egg-shaped minivan, the Previa, this time as an all-electric automobile. Because the model’s first totally electrical minivan, the revival raises questions on its potential success within the electrical automobile (EV) market.
Just lately, Toyota launched its first “electrified” fashions in Japan, the Alphard and Vellfire PHEVs, on December 20. These minivans function each gasoline and hybrid powertrains, providing a driving vary of as much as 45 miles (73 km) on electrical energy alone. Whereas the inside guarantees the quietness of battery electrical autos (BEVs), Toyota can be planning to make a major entry into the electrical minivan sector.
In line with a report from Japan’s main automotive journal, Finest Automotive (cited by Forbes), the Toyota Previa will make its comeback in 2026. The unique Previa, identified for its distinctive form, was bought within the US and different markets all through the early Nineties however was discontinued in 1997 attributable to robust competitors from fashions just like the Chrysler City and Nation and Dodge Caravan. Its final 12 months noticed solely 3,780 items bought, a major drop from the height of roughly 52,000 in 1991.
The Previa was finally changed by the Sienna, which incorporates a extra standard design and continues to be provided primarily in North America. Curiously, whereas the electrical Previa was initially slated to be constructed on the e-TNGA platform, used for the bZ4X electrical SUV, an insider revealed that it’ll make the most of the GA-Ok platform, at the moment employed by fashions just like the Crown, Camry, and RAV4.
The upcoming electrical minivan may have each electrical (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variations. Like its predecessor, the brand new Previa is anticipated to hold ahead an identical egg-shaped design to reinforce aerodynamics.
Initially, the revived Previa was meant to be a hydrogen gas cell automobile (FCEV), however plans shifted attributable to inadequate demand and charging infrastructure. The FCEV idea was first showcased because the “Nice-Consolation Journey” in 2017.
Within the context of the EV market, an all-electric model of the Toyota minivan could assist the automaker set up a stronger presence with electrical autos. The launch of its first electrical mannequin, the bZ4X, confronted a gradual begin attributable to an early recall and growing competitors from mid-size electrical SUVs that provide superior vary and options.
Primarily famend for its hybrids, such because the Prius, Toyota plans to cater to this section with a PHEV mannequin. Nonetheless, with out a devoted EV platform, the electrical Previa would possibly encounter challenges much like these confronted by the bZ4X, resembling restricted vary and fewer choices.
Rivals, resembling Hyundai, are additionally making ready to debut their very own electrical minivans, together with the Staria Electrical, which is anticipated to start manufacturing subsequent 12 months and launch in Korea first, adopted by Europe in early 2026. European-made fashions may even be imported to key markets like Australia and Thailand.
Moreover, Toyota has been rumored to drop the bZ naming conference, making the introduction of an electrical Previa appear believable. The automaker has additionally teased a number of different EV revivals, together with electrical variations of the Land Cruiser and Supra, alongside the latest launch of the City Cruiser electrical SUV in Europe. Extra updates on Toyota’s first electrical minivan are anticipated within the close to future.
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