Toyota

Toyota BZ3C UnveiledShowcased at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the BZ3C and BZ3X EVs will be manufactured by FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota, respectivelyAs part of its plans to expand its EV portfolio, Toyota is working on two new EVs – BZ3C and BZ3X. These are expected to be launched in China next year. While powertrain details have not been revealed, enthusiasts were able to explore the exteriors and interiors of these EVs at the Beijing Auto Show.Toyota BZ3C – An urban marvelAs may be recalled, the BZ3 name was announced in China in October 2022. It was planned to be Toyota’s first electric sedan. The powertrain for BZ3 was to be developed via a joint collaboration between Toyota and BYD. With the BZ3C now unveiled, it appears that the original name has been transferred for a new line of EVs.Toyota BZ3C ProfileToyota BZ3C is essentially the production version of BZ Sport Crossover Concept that was showcased at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. Remarkably, there are very few changes in BZ3C in comparison to the concept. Most of the features have been retained, although some trimming may be done in the production model.As of now, only a few features have been changed. For example, side view cameras seen with the concept have been replaced with more conventional rear-view mirrors. Also, the lower lip at the front is not as sharp as seen in the concept model.Toyota BZ3C InteriorsBZ3C InteriorsBZ3C’s front fascia looks absolutely stunning with a full-width, C-shaped light cluster and a curvy, sculpted bonnet. Some of the features have similarities with Prius, such as the sleek, elegant bumper. Both the BZ3C and BZ3X are equipped with Lidar mounted on the roof. BZ3C has a crossover design and feels like an electric version of Toyota C-HR.Side profile is quite impactful with large, low-drag alloy wheels and flush door handles. At the rear, the prominent spoiler lip adds to the EVs sporty persona. The lighting setup at the rear is similar to that at the front.Toyota BZ3C DashboardInside, BZ3C has a mesmerizing racy red theme. It is accentuated with yellow LED lighting across the dash, doors and central console. There’s a large touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. BZ3C will be manufactured by FAW Toyota, a joint venture between China-based FAW Group and Toyota.Toyota BZ3X UnveiledToyota BZ3X – Classic eleganceBZ3X is essentially the production version of BZ FlexSpace Concept that was unveiled last year. As compared to the BZ3C, the BZ3X has more conventional vibes. It makes a powerful street presence and seems to focus on space and utility. The relatively sober profile indicates that this model could be closer to production.Toyota BZ3X ProfileSome of the key highlights of BZ3X include full-width LED DRLs on top, lower mounted LED headlamps and prominent bumper. Side profile has thick body cladding, large spoke-styled alloy wheels, flush door handles and blacked-out roof and pillars. At the rear, key highlights include a full width lighting setup and chunky bumper.Toyota BZ3X InteriorsInside, BZ3X gets a large touchscreen, a compact instrument cluster and a massive sunroof. The BZ3X EV will be manufactured by GAC Toyota. It is a joint venture between China-based GAC Group and Toyota.Toyota BZ3X Dashboard More

Toyota Urban Crossover ConceptThe fascia of Toyota Urban Crossover Concept seems to be derived from newer Toyota models like BZ and Crown series, along with PriusToyota had a slow shift where electric vehicles are concerned. But the shift is happening and in quite a swift manner. We say aggressive because Toyota Urban Crossover concept was recently showcased and may be the people’s electric car champion when launched in select markets by 2025. Pricing may start from around EUR 30,000 (Rs. 27 lakh).Toyota Urban Crossover ConceptIn the past months, Suzuki revealed eVX that looked close to production. eVX will be Suzuki’s first-ever all-electric car and will likely be launched at 2025 Auto Expo in India. Said eVX will be manufactured in India and exported globally in select markets. Testing for eVX has commenced both in India and abroad. There’s a reason why we’re mentioning Suzuki eVX before Toyota Urban Crossover Concept.Toyota has revealed exterior images of its Urban Crossover Concept. If you squint your eyes, it looks like Suzuki eVX. That is because Toyota is highly likely to be badge engineering Suzuki eVX to sell under their brand in various global markets. Just like eVX, Toyota Urban Crossover Concept might be manufactured in India too.Urban Crossover will be Toyota’s strongest contender in EV race in Europe in the coming years. It will bear an affordable price tag too, making it the most affordable Toyota EV in Europe. When launched, it will rival the likes of Jeep Avenger, Mini Aceman and Volvo EX30. In India, it could rival upcoming Mahindra BE.05 and Hyundai Creta EV.Toyota Urban Crossover ProfileEven though finer details of production-spec model are under wraps, Toyota Urban Crossover will measure 4,300mm long, 1,820mm wide and 1,620mm tall. Full details about production-spec model and its interiors will be revealed in first half of 2024. We can see a strong resemblance with Suzuki eVX, especially in profile.Design similar to Suzuki eVXThe thick C-pillar area is common between both Toyota Urban Crossover Concept and Suzuki eVX. Doors, front and rear quarter panels, chunky wheel arch claddings, flush door handles, rear roof spoiler, silhouette, tail light housings, and overall front and rear sections are similar between both cars.Differences are in LED signatures in tail lights, front and rear bumpers, headlights, front fascia, front DRL signatures and other areas. Fascia of Urban Crossover is inspired by new-age Toyota BZ and Crown series and Prius. Urban Crossover gets roofrails too, something eVX doesn’t. Interiors might be identical, with subtle trim changes between both vehicles to establish visual differences.Toyota Urban Crossover Similar Design To Suzuki eVXPowertrain-wise both vehicles could share the same battery and motor options. Speaking of, there may be two battery size options and an option for dual motor AWD setup to offer flexibility in pricing and performance. Range might be up to 250 miles or 400 km on a single charge and fast charging compatibility of up to 50 kW is expected. More

Toyota Hiace BEV Concept InteriorsDesigned for versatility, Toyota Hiace BEV concept can take up various roles such as tourist vehicle, cargo carrier, ambulance, etc.At the ongoing Japan Mobility Show, Toyota has unveiled the Hiace BEV concept. It has been created by Toyota Auto Body, a subsidiary of Toyota. As compared to the standard ICE model, Hiace BEV gets refreshed exteriors and interiors in line with its electric character. The high level of customization options available for the cargo bay is another key USP of Hiace fully electric van.Toyota Hiace BEV concept featuresHiace BEV concept has the core silhouette of 6th-gen Hiace that was introduced in 2019. However, the exteriors are entirely new. The van has a futuristic look and feel. It continues to have a dominating street presence, as seen with standard ICE variants. Much of it comes from its massive size, a prominent front fascia and boxy overall profile.Hiace BEV utilizes the Normal/Standard Roof body of ICE Hiace that is 5,265 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,990 mm tall. Wheelbase is 3,210 mm. But Hiace BEV is actually 15 mm longer, owing to its updated front section. There is plenty of cargo space, 1,715 mm wide and 1,270 mm tall, to be exact.The cargo area can be used as is or customized with different types of shelves, racks, drawers, etc. In terms of its visual appeal, Hiace BEV easily qualifies as the most attractive version till date. The level of evolution the vehicle has undergone is evident when compared to the predecessors dating back to 1967. All throughout, the van has gotten smarter and larger.Toyota Hiace BEV Concept FasciaHiace BEV concept gets some unique features such as pixel-shaped LED headlamps, sleek LED DRLs doubling as turn indicators, a giant closed-off grille and contrasting yellow lighting elements on the corners. On the sides, Hiace BEV has large sliding doors, body-coloured door handles, rectangular rear-view mirrors, circular wheel arches and thick body cladding.There’s a distinctive character line that stretches all the way from the front headlamps to the tail lamps. Alloy wheels are entirely new and designed for enhanced aerodynamics. Tail lamps are vertically stacked. There is an option to choose a barn door or a regular tailgate based on requirement. A video released by Toyota showcases another variant that has a longer wheelbase, side windows and higher roof.Toyota Hiace BEV concept interiorsWhile the focus is on moving stuff, Hiace BEV gets a range of premium features. There’s a large vertically stacked infotainment touchscreen that appears to be more than 14-inches in size. It has in-built turn-by-turn navigation. The driver also has access to a large fully digital instrument cluster. The van’s connectivity suite offers a range of remote functions. In place of the gear lever used with standard ICE Hiace, the BEV version has a rotary dial.Toyota Hiace BEV Concept Interior LayoutToyota has not revealed any details about the powertrain. However, it would be safe to assume that the BEV version’s performance will be comparable to its ICE sibling. With ample space for a large battery pack, Hiace BEV will have adequate range to manage the day’s tasks.Toyota Hiace BEV Concept Barn Door Option More

Toyota Electric Land Cruiser SE ConceptAs of now, Toyota Electric Land Cruiser SE is in concept phase and is the first monocoque or electric vehicle to bear LC badgeUpcoming Japan Mobility Show is quite a spectacle where many OEMs showcase the coolest tech they’re currently working on. Ahead of the show commencing later this month at Tokyo, there will be sneak peeks. From Toyota, the company has teased two new electric vehicle concepts, featuring many firsts for the brand.Toyota Electric Land Cruiser ConceptThis is the first time Toyota Land Cruiser and electric has been used in a sentence together. For starters, Toyota electric Land Cruiser SE is a concept vehicle that the company is showcasing. Unlike the recently unveiled 2024 Land Cruiser, new Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 70 Series, Land Cruiser SE is a fully electric monocoque SUV.Yeah! The first monocoque vehicle with Land Cruiser badge. This is a three-row SUV with comparable size to a Grand Highlander and recently launched Century SUV. Speaking of dimensions, Land Cruiser SE is 5130 mm long, 1981 mm wide and 1701 mm tall. Toyota didn’t reveal finer details about this vehicle, especially regarding powertrains.That said, it will have a torquey driving experience owing to its electric powertrains. Modern and minimalist front fascia, wide LED DRL signature, connected tail lights, flush door handles, fuss-free detailing in profile, boxy proportions, large wheels, low profile tyres and rearview cameras are notable elements. This seems to be more of an on-road vehicle than what the Land Cruiser badging suggests.Toyota Electric Land Cruiser SE Concept2024 Land Cruiser with ‘Neo Steer’ tech – Look ma, no pedals!At 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota will showcase its new ‘Neo Steer’ steering yoke that has accelerator and brakes built in. This negates the need for traditional accelerator and brake pedals (considering clutch pedals are closing extinction in USA). Inspiration for this steering yoke is from motorcycle handles.Toyota has placed accelerator and brake at right side of the steering yoke. This is a perfect solution for people with disabilities, especially for drivers with lower limb impairment. Toyota will showcase this tech on a 2024 Land Crusier.Toyota ‘Neo Steer’ pedal-less drive conceptToyota EPU electric pickup truck conceptFor the first time, Toyota is stepping foot into electric pickup world with EPU concept and it looks close to production and poses a strong proposition for going into production. This is a smaller pickup truck and will primarily rival the likes of Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in USA. Just like Santa Cruz, Toyota EPU doesn’t have a physically separated load bay.This suggests that Toyota EPU is not meant for the full range of capabilities of a regular ladder-frame pickup truck. EPU is underpinned by a monocoque chassis and comes with an electric powertrain. On the inside, it boasts a free-standing display, that houses both infotainment and instrumentation related info.Toyota EPU Electric Pickup Truck Concept More

Toyota FT-Se electric sportscar conceptToyota FT-SE electric sportscar concept looks different than the current Supra or GR86 on sale and resembles Sports EV conceptThe Japanese automotive juggernaut, Toyota, is not seldom considered a major player in electric car realm. That said, Toyota has been gradually pushing EVs in the recent past and is actively pursuing electric powertrains. Result of this, are recently teased Toyota FT-Se electric sportscar and FT-3e electric SUV concepts.Toyota FT-Se E-SportscarAhead of 2023 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Toyota has teased two new electric vehicle concepts. The more interesting of the two is FT-Se electric sportscar concept. As of now, Toyota has only teased two images, and both of them show this futuristic electric sportscar partially. In some angles, even looks like an evolution of Sports EV concept shown before.From what we can see, FT-Se concept is a flamboyant sportscar with sharp profiling and character lines that strike a definitive character. The wheel track is very wide, jutting away from passenger compartment quite a bit. This will lend superb riding dynamics and stability while sharp cornering.There is an aggressive wide body that covers these wheels and forms aero channels to cut down air drag. Wheels look aerodynamic too and should enhance the electric range, owing to their slippery nature. Roof line is quite narrow and neatly flows towards the rear in a tear-drop sort of shape.Toyota FT-Se interiorThis is where Toyota has given a fixed spoiler that blends into its body panels neatly. LED tail lights are quite wide and we can also see a massive rear diffuser. The GR badging on the outside and in the interiors suggests a sporty edge. On the inside, there is a landscape screen for instrumentation and a portrait screen for infotainment.Toyota FT-3e E-SUVThe second concept that Toyota teased is FT-3e electric SUV that, quite frankly, takes design cues from Toyota bZ4X. It will share most of its electric platform and powertrains with FT-Se sportscar. Based on the limited number of teasers, Toyota FT-3e will be less flamboyant and is likely to be targeted at mainstream audience.We can see quite simplistic body lines that form this electric crossover / SUV. There are sleek wrap-around LED tail lights that get a connected design along with glimpses of sleek rear LED fog lights. There are interesting LED patterns on running board which lend an interesting design detail.Toyota FT-3eThe rear spoiler, squared-off rear section, flush-mounted door handles, flared wheel arches with gloss black finish, aerodynamic channels in front fenders, a silver finish rear skid plate and more. Exact powertrain details are still under wraps. Toyota will divulge more information at 2023 Japan Mobility Show.Toyota FT-3e Profile More

Toyota’s next-gen solid-state batteryToyota’s Crown EV prototype demonstrated the company’s bipolar solid state batteries that will be the next big thing with EVs in the futureRange anxiety! The one hindering factor in EV growth. Regardless of range anxiety, EV sales are clocking higher numbers with every month. Advances in Battery tech and aero efficiency will go a long way in extracting a longer range than what is currently possible. Advances are underway in EV tech in the form of solid-state batteries that will ensure more range and less cost.Toyota wants to be at the forefront of solid-state batteries as it has dived head-first into this realm. Facing criticism for slower EV adoption, Toyota is showing the world that it means business when it does adopt. The automotive giant showcased its new-gen solid-state battery with a Crown sedan concept with 1,353 km of range on a single charge.Toyota’s Crown EV Prototype Has 1,353 Km RangeYes! You read that right. In a “Let’s Change the Future of Cars” workshop, Toyota revealed key details about its electrification roadmap. For starters, the company intends to offer both affordable EVs for the masses and enthusiast EVs with better capabilities. Toyota is comparing BZ4X, an EV it currently sells, with its next gen battery.For performance versions, Toyota will stick with monopolar NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries and promise 200% range of BZ4X. 200% of 615 km (range of BZ4X) is 1,230 km. This next-gen battery will grace the markets in 2026 with a 20% increase in cost efficiency as opposed to BZ4X’s battery cost. Charging time will be around 20 minutes for 10-80%.Toyota’s next-gen solid-state battery ExplainedToyota is working on a new type of bipolar LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery for mass market offerings. This is likely to storm the market by 2026 and 2027. This battery promises 20% increase in range when compared to BZ4X’s 615 km range. This translates to 738 km of range.For the mainstream market, this is phenomenal considering charging time of 30 minutes for taking SOC (State Of Charge) from 10% to 80%. These new bipolar LFP batteries aim to be 40% more cost-effective than BZ4X’s batteries.Ushering new era of Battery tech and vehicular engineeringIf you observed closely, performance batteries are still monopolar in 2026. That will change till 2028. Toyota promises a high-performance bipolar solid-state battery promising a 10% increase in range and 10% increase in cost efficiency when compared to next-gen performance battery’s 1,230 km. This means a total range of 1,353 km and charging times for 10-80% is still 20 minutes.Toyota’s electric axlesToyota is not aiming to achieve this by the virtue of batteries alone. Reduction in weight, a smaller rear electric axle, more efficient aerodynamics based on a rocket’s hypersonic aerodynamics and other attributes. Toyota has already begun work on its bipolar solid-state batteries and showcased the same in a Crown sedan. The company intends to take charging time close to gasoline refueling times and cut down on range anxiety and cost associated with EVs. More

Toyota’s new pickup truck concepts celebrate the brand’s 60 years presence and wide fan following in ThailandToyota Hilux ElectricUnlike the aggressive focus on electric cars, Toyota believes other technologies also need to be considered such as hybrid electric, fuel cell and emission-free synthetic fuels. The thoughts were expressed by Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, during the launch event of IMV0 (zero) and Hilux Revo BEV concepts in Thailand.It seems practical, as other technologies can be just as effective and sustainable as electric cars in achieving carbon neutrality goals. Emergence of other technologies will also make the automotive space more competitive and vibrant, as compared to an electric-only ecosystem that would increase dependence on battery manufacturers.Scope for innovation will also be limited in case of the latter. Toyota is among the few carmakers that have resisted a full-fledged shift to EVs. They have also practically demonstrated the viability of other environment-friendly technologies, as evident with cars like Mirai.Toyota IMV0 (zero) conceptBoth concepts are based on IMV platform that was originally developed under the leadership of Akio Toyoda. Started in 2002, the IMV project has spawned multiple bestsellers such as Hilux Vigo, Innova and Fortuner. It was Toyoda’s idea to refresh the IMV platform and create “something truly affordable and truly innovative”. The efforts have eventually led to the development of alternate energy vehicle (IMV0). Toyoda has stated that both IMV0 (zero) and Hilux Revo BEV will reach production stage in around a year’s time.Toyota IMV0 ConceptWhile powertrain details of both concept vehicles have not been revealed, it could be used for cars like Innova and Fortuner in future. As a vehicle, IMV0 (zero) focuses on modularity, both outside and inside. IMV0 (zero) is highly customizable, with the ability to transform into a different body in under an hour. All that’s needed are two adults, standard tools and some elbow grease.Body formats that IMV0 (zero) can quickly acquire include a standard cargo bed, flower truck, emergency response vehicle, refrigerated carrier and outdoor camper. Modularity extends to external parts such as bumper that has three separate units. In the event of a dent or crack, only the broken unit needs to be replaced and not the entire bumper. Interiors too will follow the modularity approach, but exact details are currently not available.Toyota Hilux Revo BEV conceptAs compared to IMV0 concept, Toyota Hilux Revo BEV looks like a more conventional pickup truck. Only difference is that this one is focused on supporting carbon neutrality and creating a better environment for all. Toyota Hilux Revo BEV concept has a closed grille with slatted design elements, angular headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and trapezoidal fog lamp housing.Toyota Hilux ElectricSide profile is almost entirely flat, which complements its utilitarian character. Other features include alloy wheels and body-coloured rear view mirrors with integrated turn signals. Charging slot is located just above the front left wheel. At rear, the truck has vertically mounted tail lamps and flat tailgate. Images are credited to Indra Fathan, Autolifethailand, Headlightmag, & Grand Prix Online. More