Toyota has stopped development of the Lexus LF-ZC battery EV, which had been
slated for series production at its Tahara plant in Japan. The model was due to
enter production in late-2026, was pushed to mid-2027, and is now suspended.
Toyota China says the halt reflects changing market demand and broader vehicle
program adjustments and does not mean the company is abandoning BEVs. Industry
observers cite recent policy shifts — including the removal of the $7,500 US
federal EV tax credit and the EU’s rollback of its effective 2035 ICE-sales ban
— and intensifying competition from Chinese EV brands, which have a competitive
edge over Japanese automakers in new-energy vehicles.
