Kolín: The Beating Heart of Toyota’s European EV Ambitions
For the first time in its history, Toyota is going all-in by producing electric vehicles right here in Europe. According to the Japanese news outlet Nikkei, the plan is to build up to 100,000 electric vehicles a year at the Kolín factory—no small feat!
This move signals a major shift: Toyota isn’t just dipping its toes in the European EV market, it’s diving right in, ready to take on ever-stricter emission regulations coming down the pipeline.
The Star of the Show: A Brand-New All-Electric SUV
So, now that the location is set, the big question is: what’s the first car on the production line? Great news for car enthusiasts—a brand-new, all-electric SUV will lead the charge. This model fits perfectly with Europe’s current appetite for SUVs and will become a key player in Toyota’s bold EV push.
But that’s just the beginning. By 2026, Toyota wants 14 fully electric models lighting up its European showrooms. Among those will be the highly anticipated electric C-HR+ and a thoroughly revamped version of the bZ4X. That new SUV from Czechia is clearly stepping into a much larger, more diverse Toyota lineup.
What’s Driving Toyota’s 2028 EV Leap?
You might wonder—why is Toyota making this move now? The answer is a blend of outside pressure and internal ambition. On one hand, the European Union is raising the bar, with a 2035 deadline looming when sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned. Toyota’s goal? To be fully climate neutral in Europe by 2040. That’s a serious challenge when, at this moment, less than 2% of its total sales are fully electric.
Switching to local EV production isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity.
Inside the company, there’s also a growing realization: the future is electric, even if Toyota’s approach is characteristically pragmatic. For example, production of a large electric SUV in the United States was recently delayed due to slower-than-hoped demand. But Toyota’s long-term vision for Europe remains unshaken: local production is the key to success.
Why Build Where You Sell? Local Production, Local Gains
Why is building cars where you sell them such a smart move? The benefits are huge:
- Shorter, more efficient supply chains: Less shipping equals lower costs.
- Smaller carbon footprint: Cutting down on transport reduces CO2 emissions for the whole process.
- Stricter EU targets, better control: Local production helps Toyota meet demanding EU CO2 targets and the upcoming Euro 7 emission standards.
- Better prices for you: Ultimately, it could mean more affordable EVs for European drivers.
And if you’re wondering about Kolín itself—the factory has some history. It opened in 2002 as a joint venture with PSA Group (Peugeot Citroën), and has been entirely owned by Toyota since 2021. Today, it produces the popular Toyota Aygo X and Yaris. Soon, an all-electric sibling will roll off the same lines.
If you’re already driving a Toyota, or considering making the leap to electric, things are shaping up to get much more exciting. With local production, you can expect shorter delivery times, potentially keener pricing, and a car that’s perfectly tailored for European roads and regulations. Exciting times lie ahead. By taking this step, Toyota is showing it’s more than ready to tackle, head on, the fast-changing European EV market.
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.
