A first look at the Shanghai Motor Show
Ironically... the first electric vehicle that Toyota is expected to offer for sale outside China will be unveiled... in China.
The Japanese automaker has announced the launch of new electric SUVs in Europe and the United States.
Today, Toyota is announcing the first of these electric SUVs in a press release sent out by its European branch:
First unveiled at Toyota's recent Kenshiki convention in Europe, the SUV will be based on Toyota's new e-TNGA platform, which is highly versatile and easily adaptable to a wide range of products.
The e-TNGA can also be specified with front, rear or four-wheel drive, and with a wide range of battery and electric motor capacities to suit different vehicle types and usage profiles.
The versatility and flexibility of e-TNGA technology enable Toyota to design and create vehicles that are not only electric, but also fun to drive and aesthetically pleasing.
The basic principle of the e-TNGA architecture is that key elements remain fixed while others vary. This approach makes it possible to vary the vehicle's width, length, wheelbase and height.
The Toyota bZ4X
At the Shanghai Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the bZ4X electric SUV concept.
The carmaker tells us more about the Toyota bZ4X in a press release:
Toyota envisions a future in which carbon neutrality is achieved through the practical commercialization of a portfolio of products featuring advanced zero-emission, alternative-fuel powertrain technologies. Already a leader in electrification, the company took a major step forward today by presenting the Toyota bZ4X Concept, a first glimpse of the first in a global series of 100% electric vehicles to be launched under the "Toyota bZ" brand.
"bZ" stands for "Beyond Zero", and will be Toyota's new sub-brand under which it plans to market seven 100% electric vehicles.
Toyota's first 100% electric SUV
Toyota did not reveal the technical specifications of the new electric SUV at the unveiling. However, the automaker did confirm that it will be equipped with Subaru 's AWD (all-wheel drive) technology:
Jointly developed with Subaru, the Toyota bZ4X SUV Concept is built on the new dedicated e-TNGA BEV- platform. The concept transmits Toyota's legendary quality, durability and long-term reliability (QDR) in combination with Subaru's AWD (all-wheel drive) capabilities to achieve a unique driving experience.
After many years of reluctance, Toyota is now heading for the 100% electric vehicle market.
While the Toyota bZ4X unveiled today is only a "concept", the automaker has already announced plans to produce the electric SUV in Japan and China. It will then begin marketing the model in mid-2022."
The automaker also said that "details of the U.S. product will be shared at a later date."
15 electric vehicles by 2025
By 2025, Toyota intends to launch 15 electric vehicles, including 7 Toyota bZ models.
This new series of electric vehicles will enable people to change their current vehicle without the slightest inconvenience. With all the advantages that a fully electric car can offer. This is achieved through driver-centric development, offering mobility tailored to people's real lives and experiences. Chief Engineer Toyoshima explains:
It's not just about contributing to the environment by being a zero-emissions vehicle, it's about giving value "beyond zero" by making driving easier and more enjoyable.
Toyota bZ models will also contribute to the Japanese automaker's goal of carbon neutrality by 2025.
What do you think of Toyota's first 100% electric car?
