Toyota Camry EV.

The illustration above seems a bit futuristic for anything called a Toyota Camry, or even a Toyota Sedan. But don’t forget, Honda is coming with a production version of the 0 Series Saloon in 2 years. And Honda claims the production version will look 90% like the futuristic concept car.

I don’t think Honda will actually market their new EV as an “Accord EV”. But I think Toyota would be foolish to not use the name “Camry” for their first EV sedan in the US.

Toyota has recently laid out plans for new batteries by 2026, with ranges of up to 500 miles, and solid-state batteries finally coming by 2027. (although these will take a while to be produced in large quantities). We already know 2 new 3-row EV SUVs will come out in 2025 and will be built in the US. Part of that plan is also a reduction cost in battery production of 40% by 2027. Which is key.

Of course, Toyota is currently officially pushing Hybrids. While behind the scenes, huge amounts are being invested not only in new battery technologies but in all-new much simpler EV platforms that, combined with much cheaper batteries, will eventually allow them to make more profits from EVs than ICE or Hybrid models. Watch Toyota’s stand on EV will magically turn in 2 or 3 years. Watch what they do, not what they say.

The current 2025 Camry is obviously not a new car, but a revised version of the model we first saw back in 2017. In about 3 years, much cheaper EV production costs will allow Toyota to produce an EV sedan the size of the current Camry, for probably the same or less than what the current model is costing them.

A truly affordable very roomy EV sedan from Toyota would be the best way to usher the Camry into the new EV age. It will eventually happen no matter what since in a few years, everything will be an EV. VW has already basically replaced the Passat Sedan with the new ID-7. And the Golf is currently in its last ICE generation.

No matter what they say, they are all working on EV replacements for all current models. Not just because of various regulations, but huge profits. Just like larger profit margins were a big part of the current SUV takeover…

The illustrations above show what a Toyota Camry EV could look like in about 3 years. With a pretty conventional interior, something that could help an EV transition for many current Camry owners. It also shows that even with a straight fastback design, Toyota would still be against offering a real hatchback in the Camry. (Which is a bit sad…)