Last week, Toyota detailed the forthcoming new battery electric vehicles which it says will form part of the driving force of Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy as it works to deliver its ‘Mobility for All’ vision.
Toyota has been slow to go all-out with all-electric cars, preferring to transition with a very strong hand in hybrid models instead. That is about to change in the coming years.
The top Japanese carmaker says that it is investing heavily in the development of new low and zero emissions vehicles to meet the diverse needs of customers and to ensure ‘no one is left behind’. Toyota’s principle of ‘Mobility for All’ and its commitment to achieving full carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040, and globally by 2050, guides the company’s approach to new product development.
Globally, its ‘multi pathway’ strategy is centered on electrified mobillity products (hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric systems, hydrogen combustion engines and e-fuels ) which satisfy customer demand and are relevant to their local market conditions and infrastructure, whilst remaining accessible for all drivers.
Last week, several next generation battery electric concept models were presented including the Toyota FT-Se, Toyota FT-3e, Toyota Sport Crossover concept and the Toyota Urban SUV concept (pictured ). The exciting line-up is based on a new modular design architecture combining gigacast chassis, components minimisation and the new Arene operating system, enabling design freedom to elevate the entire user experience.
In Europe, Toyota’s model range will include six dedicated battery-electric passenger vehicles by 2026. In addition to the bZ4X that is already on sale and the Compact SUV concept previewed at last year’s forum, Toyota previewed two further vehicles that will broaden the line-up: an Urban SUV Concept and a Sport Crossover Concept.
The Urban SUV concept is a close-to-production design for a model that will enter what’s expected to become one of Europe’s largest BEV market segments, and is to premiere next year. It has authentic SUV design and draws on the success of the hybrid electric Toyota Yaris Cross, a top-selling model in its class. As well as the option of all-wheel drive – a key element for Toyota products – customers will also have two battery choices, to suit their budget or driving range requirements.
The Sport Crossover Concept signals an alternative to SUV models with a distinctive, fastback profile that will make it a style hero for the BEV line-up. It will provide an attractive proposition for first-time electric car customers and a stylish alternative to SUVs while offering maximum comfort combined with the practicality of five doors, a large boot and generous rear leg room. It is scheduled for introduction in Europe for 2025.
Toyota has long been a pioneer in battery technology development since before the introduction of the first hybrid electric Prius more than twenty years ago. It is currently preparing to introduce a series of new batteries, the first of which will be a performance version expected to offer twice the driving range and a 20% cost reduction compared to the current bZ4X.
It adds that this will be followed by a high quality, low-cost battery that will help popularise BEVs. It will have a new shape, a bipolar structure and use cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP ) as its principal material. The aim is for this to increase range by 20% and reduce cost by 40% (vs bZ4X ). The third battery to be introduced will focus on high performance, using bipolar technologies and a high nickel cathode. Even lower costs and a further extended driving range are expected.
Further announcements on launch timings, pricing and specifications for Irish models will be released at a later date.
