American-Built Three-Row Lexus EV SUV Is on the Way

Coming Soon

As the world continues its transition toward electric power, automakers are continuing to announce new EV models. The latest comes from Toyota, which recently revealed that it will build a total of two new three-row electric crossovers at its Princeton, Indiana plant - one that will be sold under the Toyota umbrella, and the other with a Lexus badge.

Photos: Lexus

Big Investment

In order to prepare for the new models, Toyota will invest $803 million at the plant and create 1,400 new jobs. The Lexus EV will be the first from the brand to be built at the plant, and both it and the Toyota model "are designed with the active Gen Y American Family in mind," according to the automaker.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming three-row EV SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Hands-Free Driving

Toyota says that both new models will employ a semi-automated driving system - which will allow for hands-free driving in certain conditions - a remote parking system allowing the driver to park and unpark from outside the vehicle using a smartphone, and a digital key that turns a user's smartphone into their key and allows them to share it digitally. Both the Lexus and Toyota versions will offer seating for up to eight passengers.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming three-row EV SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Reaching Goals

Otherwise, Toyota didn't share when these vehicles will enter production, launch, or any additional details. Both will join a fast-growing EV lineup from Toyota and Lexus, which will help the automaker achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming three-row EV SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Going Green

Meanwhile, Toyota Indiana's environmental team has created thousands of metric tons in CO2 savings for the plant and invested over $4 million on CO2 reduction projects with another $2.7 million committed for the coming year.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming three-row EV SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Electrification Push

"Over the past 20 years, Toyota has led the way with more electrified vehicles on the road than all automakers combined," said Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. "This investment and new vehicle line-up will allow us to continue our work with electrification, expand our portfolio to around 70 models globally by 2025, and meet the needs of our customers while we accelerate towards carbon neutrality."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming three-row EV SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Big Challenge

"Selecting Toyota Indiana for this opportunity shows the confidence Toyota has in our employees to take on new and exciting challenges," added Leah Curry, TMMI president. "Expanding our Toyota family by 1,400 is a challenge we are eager to accept. This is a testament to the strong workforce in the Southwest Indiana region. We're waiting with open arms to welcome new people and products to the family and can’t wait to get started."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming three-row EV SUV right here in Club Lexus.

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