New Production, New Opportunities
For years, Toyota’s electric vehicles were primarily assembled in Japan. That may not sound like a big deal—unless you’ve tried to claim an EV bonus in a country like France, where imported models from outside Europe struggle to qualify. But change is coming fast. The next-generation Toyota EV will roll straight off the assembly line in Kolin, Czech Republic, the same factory that currently produces the Yaris and Aygo hybrids.
Europe Gets Serious About Homegrown EVs
The European Union aims to reduce its reliance on China, whose affordable electric cars are flooding the market at record speed. So, the EU is introducing import tariffs and tightening up bonus policies. France, for example, has launched a new eco-score that automatically excludes EVs from China. That’s been a headache for Toyota: until now, their only electric model in Europe, the bZ4X, was entirely built in Japan and thus ineligible for certain subsidies.
Massive Investments and Major Expansion
Toyota isn’t holding back on its European ambitions. The company is investing a hefty €680 million (about $730 million USD) into expanding its Kolin facility. The Czech government is pitching in with another €64 million (roughly $69 million USD). As a result, the plant’s production area will grow from 152,000 to 173,000 square meters (1,636,114 to 1,862,162 square feet).
According to the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, this expansion is expected to generate €250 million (approximately $270 million USD) in economic benefits for the state. Toyota executive Yoshihiro Nakata also stresses that the project not only strengthens Toyota’s presence in Europe, but also helps speed up the shift to cleaner mobility options.
The Big Mystery and What’s at Stake
So, what do we know about this new Toyota EV? Honestly: almost nothing. The name remains a secret. Technical specs? Still locked away. Photos? None available. The only thing that’s certain is that this will be the first Toyota EV fully built in Europe—and marks the beginning of a bolder push into the continent’s increasingly competitive market.
This aligns perfectly with Toyota’s recently revealed models, from the revamped bZ4X to the Urban Cruiser, C-HR+, and bZ4X Touring. Clearly, Toyota has decided it’s time to get truly serious about electric driving in Europe.
The Real Game Changer: Cost
What matters most for drivers? A competitive price tag, of course. By building in Europe, Toyota can tap into tax breaks and local incentives. That means buyers will very likely be able to pick up a Toyota EV at a much lower price than what’s on offer today.
This could be just the jumpstart Toyota needs to regroup in the fiercely competitive European electric market. And for everyday customers? It simply means that getting behind the wheel of a fully electric Toyota might soon become a whole lot more affordable—and closer to reality than ever before.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
