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Yep, they're not real vehicles. But the render does look good. Hopefully Toyota will follow through with some actual progress at some point.
They just had a teenager make renders of slightly modified versions of existing/previous models, and gave the proverbial "we'll have XXX EV models out by 2067 quote". Notice there was no mention of them developing platforms, or specs, or anything substantive. It was just a "hey don't forget about us" press release.
Definitely renders. As a long time toyota fan, I wouldn't be shocked if the next Tacoma looks very similar to what they showed yesterday. A decent blend of the new Tundra design and old Tacoma. If they undercut rivian by $30-40k, that would be tough to pass on.
If they undercut Rivian by that much, obviously they aren't competing products and I'd ask myself where that money went. By the time Toyota brings it to market, Rivian could very well have a cheaper two motor version that will be more comparable but still more expensive. Toyota will still be the choice if you want a no frills, intentionally low tech option.
I’ve always liked Toyota trucks, and have been disappointed with them dragging their feet on electric vehicles in general. My guess is that their entry will be too little, too late unless they offer a very competitive electric Tacoma that undercuts the Rivian on price and offers comparable range and off road abilities.
I would submit that their competitive advantage isn't reliable engines/mechanics when it comes to the Rivian comparison. That is their advantage against GM/Ford/Stellantis/VW etc... Their advantage over Rivian still sits in the already scaled global manufacturing, supply chain and reputation. That's where the $ went. I can't argue their painfully slow adoption of tech and long model runs. Seems the long model runs might be the new norm with EV's though (see every Tesla offering).
They are behind Rivian and most everyone else in terms of scaled manufacturing and supply chain of EVs. The supply chain specifically is why they have been so resistant, because of political pressure. The Japanese economy is highly dependent on local suppliers to the big automakers there, and they all get wiped out if they transition to EVs.
The Japanese have always been that way. Doesn't mean they won't pivot quickly and they seem to be making those strides as we speak. As with any and all parts of EV transition, it requires change from consumers to suppliers. The world (and government) has spoken with the EV transition and I wouldn't be so sure that Toyota hasn't been working behind the scenes for quite sometime. Put it this way... if I'm a battery supplier or tech company, I know what contract I'd rather have... I'd look to Ford to show how quickly that change can happen with the right resources and massive book of manufacturing facilities. Take the MachE (2019 announced) and selling like crazy. Crazy quick to market from launch to build. Same with the lightning. Heck, they just announced they are doubling production of the lightning over the next 24 months. Rivian has been trying to start up since 2009 so that should tell you something right there. That's the kind of scale I'm talking about and Toyota has equal or more power to do the same and do it relatively quickly.
(Comparing to my Max Pack reservation here)
They've already said that their strategy is the former, similar to their existing ICE strategy. If they were to make it today/near future, I'd expect it to be:
