Toyota Motor Corp announced on Thursday that it would recall 2,700 of its first mass-produced electric cars (EVs) due to a risk of wheels coming free.

The world’s largest manufacturer by sales notified Japan’s transportation ministry of the recall of the bZ4X SUVs. According to the corporation, 2,200 of the 2,700 vehicles are destined for Europe, 260 for the United States, 20 for Canada, and 110 for Japan.

Sharp bends and quick braking, according to Japan’s safety regulator, might force a hub bolt to loosen, increasing the risk of a wheel coming off the car. The authority stated that it was not aware of any accidents caused by the flaw.

The safety agency advised drivers to stop driving the car until a more “permanent” repair procedure could be implemented.

The recall comes less than two months after Toyota, a latecomer to the EV market, introduced the bZ4X electric SUV to the domestic market, albeit solely as a leasing option.

Some investors and environmental organisations have chastised Toyota for not moving rapidly enough to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles in favour of EVs.

Toyota has frequently rebuffed the criticism, citing the need to offer a variety of powertrains to meet the needs of diverse markets and customers.

According to industry figures, gasoline-electric hybrid models remain far more popular in Toyota’s home market than EVs, which accounted for only 1% of passenger cars sold in Japan last year.

Nonetheless, the industry is expanding rapidly, and foreign automakers such as Tesla Inc are making visible inroads into places such as Tokyo.

(Adapted from FT.com)

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