Electric Toyota Camry a chance after new Lexus ES trademarks
Evidence is mounting for a Tesla Model 3-rivalling Toyota Camry EV, after the company's luxury brand Lexus filed trademarks for future ES variants.
New trademark filings suggest the new-generation Lexus ES is set to be offered with either electric or hybrid engines – providing some insight into what we can expect for the next all-new Camry.
According to the trademarks, Lexus is planning three new models for the ES – which is based on Toyota's popular Camry sedan – being the ES500e, ES350e, and ES350h.
Based on current naming conventions used by Lexus, 'e' indicates an electric model, while 'h' signifies a hybrid.
Drive Marketplace: Cars for Sale
However, the unearthed trademarks also provide a degree of insight into the next-generation Camry, pointing to at least one electric variant in the range.
Though pure speculation, it's possible Toyota could offer a single electric Camry variant alongside a hybrid version – leaving the range-topping electric motor and battery combination for the more luxurious ES500e.
An electric Camry would likely be a direct competitor to the best-selling Tesla Model 3, provided Toyota can price it accordingly.
These digital illustrations by artist Theottle offer an idea of what the next-generation Camry could look like.
While the 2025 Toyota Camry has been confirmed as a hybrid-only – as part of a major facelift for the model – previous unconfirmed reports have only hinted at an electric Camry, making this the first real evidence of an electric powertrain being in development.
Overseas publications have also claimed Toyota is working on a new high-performance Camry model – powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid engine producing more than 250kW – though this vehicle has yet to be seen.
Toyota only recently launched its first electric vehicle in Australia – the BZ4X SUV – offering up to 436 kilometres of driving range (WLTP), and priced from $66,000 before on-road costs.
