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We’re excited to get into this Wednesday with guest host Elena Ciccotelli of the EVs for Everyone podcast. Today, we’re covering Toyota’s battery investment in the US and China, the future of GM’s Cruise robotaxi program and how Ford is planning on integrating EVs with a gas-powered generator for extra range.

• Toyota is accelerating its electrification strategy in both the U.S. and China with a significant investment in battery production and a focus on hybrid vehicles.
  • Toyota will begin producing batteries at its new North Carolina factory in April, initially for hybrid vehicles, before expanding to full EV production.
  • The Liberty, N.C., plant will start with three battery lines for hybrids, adding a fourth soon after. By 2030, it aims for 30 GWh capacity.
  • Toyota is launching a wholly-owned subsidiary in China to build Lexus EVs, with a Shanghai plant capable of producing 100,000 vehicles per year starting in 2027.
  • Toyota CFO Yoichi Miyazaki emphasized the importance of hybrid vehicles, stating, “Demand for hybrid vehicles is quite strong in the United States… We will solidify our production by producing batteries for hybrid first.”
  • The company is keeping a cautious eye on potential new tariffs from President Donald Trump, preparing by focusing on shorter product lead times and flexible strategies.

• Nearly 2 months after announcing they would no longer fund autonomous vehicle subsidiary Cruise, GM is officially shutting down its robotaxi operations, leading to mass layoffs including CEO Marc Whitten and several top executives.
  • The layoffs impact nearly half of Cruise’s 2,100 employees, with affected staff receiving severance and benefits through April and LinkedIn Premium for a year to assist with the job search.
  • GM has now fully absorbed Cruise, ending its robotaxi ambitions to focus on its hands-free driving system, Super Cruise, and future autonomous consumer vehicles.
  • The shutdown follows an October 2023 safety scandal where a Cruise robotaxi ran over and dragged a pedestrian, leading to permit suspensions in California.
  • Cruise had been working on safety upgrades, including "Project Rhino," a sensor system aimed at preventing incidents like the 2023 crash.
• Ford is betting on Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs)—EVs with a gas-powered generator for extra range. This move aligns with Ford’s focus on meeting consumer demand for EV efficiency without sacrificing range.
  • Ford’s EREV models will include Super Duty trucks, the F-150, Expedition, Explorer, Bronco, and Maverick.
  • CEO Jim Farley was reportedly impressed by the success of EREVs in China and sees them as an affordable, practical alternative to full EVs.
  • Ford expects the EREV versions within two years, but also expect confusion as dealers and buyers adjust to yet another drivetrain option.
• Finally, our editor

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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