Toyota dealers are launching electric vehicle chargers

Toyota Australia says 232 of its franchised dealerships will have EV chargers “well ahead” of the launch of the company’s first electric vehicle, the bZ4x, later this year.

Dealers will foot the bill for the infrastructure, which Toyota Australia says represents a $20 million collective investment.

These locations will install “at least” one charger, and Toyota expects the number will vary by geographic location.

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The first stage installation is underway.

“Our dealers will have a mix of AC and DC fast charging outlets in prime urban, regional and smaller locations across the country to ensure they offer Toyota EV owners the best possible customer experience,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations.

Each retailer decides for itself where to place the charger, whether it is in the building itself and only used by sales and service staff, or whether it is placed externally “for more 24/7 charging”. .

However, the chargers will not be available for use by non-Toyota vehicles.

Mr Hanley says dealers will invest based on size and vehicle volume, and there is no maximum number of chargers they can install.

Toyota will launch the bZ4x in the fourth quarter of 2023 and has confirmed that it will launch three electric vehicles over the next three years, starting with the mid-size SUV.

“Toyota is committed to bringing thousands of EVs and eventually tens of thousands of EVs to Australia within a few years,” Mr Hanley said.

He also expects electric vehicles to gain broader market acceptance faster than hybrids have.

“I don’t expect EVs in Australia to take 22 years to accelerate, I think you’re going to see significant acceleration over the next seven years,” he said.