Last year, the F-Series was the top-selling nameplate in America, followed by the Silverado in second place, the Ram in third place, Toyota’s RAV4 in fourth place, and Tesla’s Model Y in fifth place. Even the Model 3 sedan wasn’t too far behind, ranking 12th. Recently, it was revealed that the Tesla Model Y has dethroned the Toyota RAV4 as the best-selling nameplate worldwide. This raises the question: can anything be done to stop Tesla’s dominance?
There is no definite answer to this question, especially considering that the Tesla Model 3 has just been upgraded to Highland specifications, making it even more appealing to traditional car drivers. Some carmakers are already considering alternative strategies to avoid direct competition with the Model 3 and Model Y. For instance, Hyundai is offering the quirky Ioniq 6 as an alternative, and Honda has presented the 0 Series of concepts at CES 2024, hinting at a future Saloon model that could compete with Tesla. So, can Toyota afford to sit on the sidelines and not participate in the electric vehicle (EV) game?
Not really, at least not according to the imaginative world of digital car content creators. One such creator is Vince Burlapp, known as vburlapp on social media and burlappcar.com. He is a prolific virtual artist who loves to envision the latest models in the automotive industry. Burlapp believes that Toyota should introduce a mid-size EV sedan to compete with Tesla and other rivals.
The hypothetical zero-emissions Camry EV proposed by Burlapp is unlike anything we have seen in the real world. This is intentional, as the digital artist believes that Toyota needs a futuristic design to counter Honda’s new EVs and provide a viable alternative to Tesla’s models, which closely resemble traditional cars in terms of design, if not features.
In the unofficial design project, the hypothetical Toyota Camry EV stands out from the current and upcoming 2025 models with its completely different style. However, the interior maintains a connection to the ICE-powered models, aiming to make the transition from hybrid to fully electric more comfortable for consumers.
It will likely be some time before we see a Camry EV, if it ever becomes a reality. In the meantime, Toyota is preparing to introduce the 2025 model year with a complete redesign and cabin overhaul. These models will feature exclusive hybrid powertrain options, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. So, the question remains: will you opt for the 2025 Camry or wait for a potential Camry EV?