Toyota recalls electric cars over worries about loose wheels

Motor industry giant Toyota is recalling 2,700 of its first mass-produced all-electric vehicles over concerns their wheels may fall off.

A spokesperson told the BBC that bolts on the bZ4X's wheels "can loosen to the point where the wheel can detach from the vehicle" after "low-mileage use".

On Friday, Toyota said the cause was still under investigation, but the whole wheel could come off, risking a crash.

‘Until the remedy is available, no one should drive these vehicles,’ the company said in a statement.

All of the cars recalled in Japan had not yet been delivered to customers as they were meant for test drives and display, spokespeople of the automakers said.

Toyota has been criticized by some investors and environmental organizations for not acting quickly enough to phase out gasoline-powered cars and embrace EVs instead.

The company has repeatedly pushed back against the criticism, arguing the necessity to offer a variety of powertrains to suit different markets and customers.

Although Toyota currently aims to manufacture a total of 9.7m vehicles around the world this year, it has signaled that it may be forced to lower that number.