Toyota Motor says it will start making electric vehicles in Eastern Europe in the next few years. It will be Toyota’s first EV production in Europe at one of its own factories.
The Japanese carmaker will expand an existing plant in the Czech Republic. EV batteries will also be made there. About 220,000 vehicles, including hybrids, currently roll out of the factory each year.
Toyota plans to invest about 680 million euros, or nearly 800 million dollars, in the project. The Czech government will chip in up to 64 million euros, or about 75 million dollars, to help cover the expansion.
Toyota plans to offer 14 EV models in Europe by next year. The lineup will include new models.
Europe’s electric-vehicle sales are rising this year after falling in 2024 amid sluggish demand.