Toyota’s futuristic egg-shaped minivan, the Previa, takes a significant step forward with its transition to an electric powertrain. The revamped Toyota minivan is poised to emerge as its inaugural all-electric iteration. Will a quirky electric minivan find mainstream appeal and become a sales phenomenon?
Toyota plans to unveil its fully electric minivan in 2023.
Although Toyota introduced its first “electrified,” or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), styles just under two weeks ago, we’re already exploring rumors that a fully electric minivan is on the horizon.
Toyota unveiled the Alphard and Vellfire plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on December 20, offering both gasoline and hybrid powertrain options. The debut of Toyota’s advanced PHEV system brings with it up to 45 miles of electric-only driving range, coupled with interior amenities that evoke the serene silence of an all-electric vehicle. Meanwhile, the company is poised to make a significant entry into the electric minivan segment.
According to a recent report from Japan’s leading automotive publication, there are indications that Toyota is planning to revive its iconic Previa model in 2026.
The Toyota Previa, distinguished by its distinctive egg-like shape, gained popularity in both domestic and international markets during the early 1990s. Despite facing intense competition from Chrysler’s City and Nation models, as well as the Dodge Caravan, Toyota ultimately decided to discontinue the Previa in 1997. In its final year of gross sales, the company managed to sell just 3,780 items, a stark contrast to its peak performance in 1991 when it sold around 52,000 products?
The Toyota Previa’s replacement is the Sienna, boasting a more subdued aesthetic and primarily catering to the North American market.
Although initially expected to leverage the e-TNGA platform, powering the bZ4X electric SUV, a trusted Toyota source reveals that the upcoming Previa EV will instead employ the GA-KO platform, currently utilized in the Crown, Camry, and RAV-4 models.
Available in all electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Like its predecessor, the forthcoming electric minivan is expected to boast a similar egg-shaped design to enhance aerodynamics.
The revamped Prius was initially conceived as a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), but Toyota revised its strategy due to lackluster demand and infrastructure limitations regarding charging infrastructure. The Hyundai FCEV prototype was unveiled as part of the “Nice-Come-Back-Trip” concept in 2017.
Electrek’s Take
An all-electric Toyota minivan could finally give the Japanese automaker a foothold in the competitive electric vehicle market. Despite a strong start with its first electric model, the bZ4X, Toyota has faced unexpected sluggish sales due to an initial recall and increased competition from mid-size electric SUVs boasting longer ranges and more features.
Toyota’s reputation as a hybrid leader, exemplified by the iconic Prius, sets the stage for its forthcoming PHEV offering. Despite this, without a dedicated EV platform, the electric Previa may suffer the same fate as the bZ4X, with reduced range and options.
As rivals like Hyundai rapidly launch their initial electric minivans, Hyundai is poised to begin production of its Staria Electric minivan next year. The rollout is expected to commence in Korea in the next year, followed by a debut in European markets during the first half of 2026. Designs from European fashion houses can be exported to prominent international markets such as Australia and Thailand, which are crucial destinations for Toyota’s global operations.
Recent reports suggest that Toyota is abandoning its bZ4X nomenclature, making an electric Previa minivan a plausible possibility.
Toyota has teased its electric vehicle (EV) revivals, including revamped versions of the iconic Land Cruiser and Supra models. Additionally, the company has launched its City Cruiser electric SUV in Europe. What was Toyota’s pioneering move in electric vehicles with their initial van release?
