Toyota revealed the Innova electric vehicle (EV) concept recently at the Indonesia International Auto Show (IIAS). It has relatively generated interest in the possibility of having an all-electric Toyota Innova in the future. But, it seems that Toyota has other plans for the electric MPV.
The Innova EV concept is reportedly not happening anytime soon as Toyota has no plans to produce the said vehicle since it is only meant for engineering development.
In a report by Autocar India, Toyota Astra Motor marketing director Anton Jimmi Suwandy said the Innova EV is “not a car that we will sell … this is just a concept and its nature is just for engineering development.” The Toyota executive added that the Innova EV concept was being used for research and development of future electric vehicles for the region.
The said statement is supported by Toyota Astra Motor Vice President Henry Tanoto as reported by Autonetmagz. He said that the Innova EV was shown during the IIAS auto show to “study and increase the popularity of electric vehicles.”
Tanoto added that the Innova EV concept shows Toyota’s commitment to electric vehicles as well as developing the most “suitable mobility needs for the Indonesian people.”
Toyota showed its intention to boost its EV development in Indonesia by investing USD 2 billion (around Php 103.8 billion) to develop electric cars. Toyota president Akio Toyoda said, “from 2019 to 2023, we will progressively increase our investment to 28.3 trillion rupiahs (USD 2 billion).”
The said investment is in line with the Indonesian government’s drive to lower emissions and reduce oil imports. That said, Toyota is planning to introduce more than 10 EVs in Indonesia over the next five years. The EVs are reportedly currently being developed already with official word from Toyota yet to be released.
Philkotse gives you access to the latest automotive news.