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The best-selling vehicle in the United States, the Toyota Camry, is set to make a significant change starting in the 2025 model year. It will become a hybrid-only vehicle, meaning it will be available exclusively as a hybrid with both a gas-powered engine and an electric motor. This move mirrors Toyota’s strategy with other models like the Sienna minivan, Venza and Sequoia SUVs, and the iconic Prius.
The decision to make the Camry a pure hybrid is a testament to the widespread acceptance of advanced technology. It shows that customers are ready to embrace hybrid vehicles, especially during times of high fuel prices. Mike Tripp, Toyota’s vice president of marketing, emphasized that the company has been at the forefront of hybrid technology since the release of the first Prius in 2000. Toyota’s goal is to offer a hybrid version of all its vehicles in the near future.
The Camry has been the best-selling non-SUV/pickup vehicle in the United States for the past two decades, and it has become a symbol of reliability and quality. Over the years, Toyota has continuously incorporated hybrid technology into its models, further increasing their popularity. Recent data from Edmunds.com highlights that customers are willing to pay more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Toyota’s hybrid models, making them a profitable choice for the company.
While fully electric vehicles (EVs) have gained traction in the market, hybrids continue to thrive due to their simplicity and ease of use. Hybrids don’t require drivers to change their routines or worry about frequent refueling, as they use less fuel. This makes them more appealing to customers who may be hesitant to transition to fully electric vehicles.
Toyota’s cautious approach to fully electric vehicles has been evident in its limited lineup. Currently, the company offers two EVs in the United States, the BZ4X and the Lexus RZ 450e. Toyota executives have expressed skepticism about consumers’ willingness to adopt fully electric vehicles and argue that hybrids are a more efficient use of expensive batteries in reducing global carbon emissions from vehicles.
The new Camry, like most other Toyota hybrid models, will not be a plug-in hybrid. Instead, the four-cylinder engine will not only propel the vehicle but also charge the batteries to power two electric motors. The system can generate up to 225 horsepower in front-wheel-drive models and 232 horsepower in all-wheel-drive variants. Additionally, the car’s batteries will be charged through regenerative braking, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost.
In a recent unveiling event, Toyota showcased not only the all-new 2018 Camry but also a hybrid SUV called the Crown Signia. This sleek and sporty vehicle combines the versatility of an SUV with the luxury of the Crown sedan, further demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology.
As Toyota prepares to transition the Camry into a hybrid-only vehicle, this move showcases the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. By making hybrids more accessible and mainstream, Toyota continues to lead the way in the automotive industry and pave the path for a greener and more efficient future.
