Toyota restarts output of first EV after recall

STORY: Toyota is trying to move on from an embarrassing recall.

The Japanese giant is restarting production of its first EV.

Output of the bZ4X was halted over concern its wheels could come loose, and even fall off.

2,700 of the cars were recalled around the world.

Now Toyota says the problem has been fixed and production can resume.

Toyota has faced criticism from green groups and investors for being slow to adopt EVs.

The company has pushed back, saying electric vehicles aren’t right for all markets.

Hybrid cars remain far more popular in Japan, with EVs making up just 1% of sales.

Sales of the bZ4X - billed as a rival to Tesla’s Model Y - have so far been very modest.

Toyota says just 232 have been sold in the U.S. this year.

With the recall done, the firm will hope to see that number start rising fast.