By Abbas Nazil
Toyota has announced plans to begin sales of its first electric vehicle produced in the United States, marking a major milestone in the company’s North American manufacturing strategy.
The new model, an electric version of the Highlander SUV, is scheduled to enter the North American market in late 2026, expanding Toyota’s growing portfolio of electrified vehicles.
The Highlander EV will be a large sport utility vehicle featuring three rows of seats and space for up to seven passengers, positioning it as a family-oriented option in the expanding electric vehicle market.
Toyota said the vehicle will offer a maximum driving range of approximately 515 kilometers on a single charge, aiming to meet consumer demand for longer-range electric mobility.
The company confirmed that the new electric Highlander will be assembled at its manufacturing facility in Kentucky, strengthening domestic production in the United States.
Batteries for the vehicle will be supplied from a Toyota-operated plant in North Carolina, reflecting the automaker’s efforts to build a localized EV supply chain.
While pricing details have not yet been disclosed, the company indicated that the model is designed to compete in the growing midsize and large electric SUV segment.
Toyota’s decision comes at a time when electric vehicle demand in the United States has slowed following the removal of federal purchase incentives under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Despite the recent market cooling, Toyota remains focused on medium- to long-term growth in electric vehicle adoption across North America.
Company executives believe that expanding local production capacity will position Toyota to respond quickly as consumer demand rebounds and environmental regulations evolve.
Last year, Toyota announced plans to invest up to $10 billion in the United States over a five-year period to increase manufacturing capacity for electric vehicles, hybrids, and other advanced automotive technologies.
The investment strategy is intended to strengthen Toyota’s competitive position while supporting job creation and industrial development across multiple states.
In addition to meeting future demand, local production is also expected to help cushion the company from the impact of high import tariffs on vehicles and automotive components.
By producing both vehicles and batteries domestically, Toyota aims to improve cost efficiency and supply chain resilience.
The Highlander has long been one of Toyota’s popular SUV models in North America, and the electric version is expected to attract both loyal customers and new buyers seeking zero-emission options.
Industry analysts see the move as part of a broader shift by global automakers toward establishing electric vehicle manufacturing hubs within the United States.
As competition intensifies in the EV market, companies are increasingly focusing on large SUVs and crossovers, which remain highly popular among American consumers.
Toyota’s entry into U.S.-made electric SUVs signals a stronger commitment to full electrification alongside its well-established hybrid lineup.
With infrastructure expanding and battery costs gradually declining, the company is positioning itself to benefit from long-term trends toward cleaner transportation.
The launch of the electric Highlander is expected to play a key role in Toyota’s future growth strategy in North America as the region transitions toward a more sustainable automotive industry.