Toyota is working on an electric SUV with three rows of seats

In a steadfast continuation of their collaboration, Toyota and Subaru are forging ahead in the realm of electric vehicle production. The latest endeavor involves the creation of a three-row electric SUV, set to roll off the assembly line at Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant. starting in 2025. This venture follows in the wake of the Toyota bZ4X, later rebranded as Solterra by Subaru for sales, although its engineering roots remain firmly grounded in Toyota's expertise.Worth noting is Toyota's ownership of a 20 percent stake in Subaru, establishing a strong partnership.While the initial production of the electric vehicle in Japan faced setbacks, it's essential to mention its subsequent recall due to concerns over wheel stability.Nevertheless, Toyota is poised to explore the horizon anew, contemplating the production of a fresh electric SUV. Early indications suggested the moniker 'Three-row Toyota bZ5X', as indicated by sources close to the company as reported by various media outlets. The nomenclature of the Subaru model is yet to be unveiled, but it is positioned as the second of four electric crossover models slated to launch by the Japanese automaker by 2028. Impressively, this will be the largest of the two electric models under Subaru's purview. Notably, the forthcoming SUV model is expected to target customers primarily in the United States. This strategic choice aligns with Toyota's intentions, as it prepares to craft the vehicle in its Kentucky plant while sourcing batteries from its North Carolina facilities, currently under construction and slated to begin battery cell production by 2025. This move positions electric cars produced by Toyota and Subaru for potential tax incentives under US laws targeting inflation reduction, a benefit that the bZ4X model currently doesn't enjoy. As part of this ambitious move, Toyota has already earmarked $461 million for the retooling of its expansive 9 million square foot Kentucky assembly plant, historically responsible for manufacturing the internal combustion engine Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and the Lexus ES, along with four- and six-cylinder engines.