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    Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV Will Not Enter Production

    While Toyota Innova Electric Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks, it won’t go into series productionToyota Innova Electric ConceptA few days ago Toyota showcased a concept prototype of an all-electric Innova at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta. It managed to grab a lot of eyeballs across the world, especially in South Asian markets where Innova is a very well-known brand.While the Japanese carmaker is investing heavily in future electrified powertrains, a fully electric Innova isn’t part of the plan. This has been confirmed by the Indonesian arm of Toyota despite showcasing a full-fledged battery-powered prototype of the MPV which looked so close to being production-ready.Toyota Innova ElectricSpeaking to a local automotive publication, Anton Jimmi Suwandy, marketing director, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia, revealed that Kijang Innova Electric will not go on sale and has been built as a concept for the purpose of engineering development only. Suwandy further added that the Innova EV concept is being used for research and development of future EVs that are being readied for the region.It should be noted that Toyota has established a new engineering and development department for Asia-Pacific markets which will work for both Toyota and its subsidiary brand Daihatsu. Henry Tanoto, Vice President Director at Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia, also confirmed that the Innova EV concept is merely a study. The concept is said to have raised the popularity of EVs in the community.[embedded content][embedded content]EV Platform ChallengesThe IC engine-powered Innova Crysta is underpinned by the IMV2 ladder-on-frame architecture which is designed to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains. Incorporating battery packs and an electric motor in this platform is a major packaging challenge thanks to the long members and horizontal arms of the chassis that restrict space for battery.Further, additional weight of frame will increase the vehicle’s overall weight by a huge margin which will not be feasible for performance as well as range. Although it has not been built for mass production, the Toyota Innova EV Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks.Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV previewed a few days earlier was almost identical to its IC engine sibling barring a sealed-off front nose which is typical of all EVs. To further highlight its EV nature, Innova Electric featured blue highlights all over its exterior body. The fuel-filler lid now serves as the EV charging bay.New-Gen Innova CrystaWhile the current Innova Crysta is still a strong seller in India, the company has already started developing a new-generation model of the MPV. Camouflaged test units of the upcoming Innova have been spotted on Indian roads on a couple of occasions. The new-gen Innova is expected to come with a wide range of updates including a new platform which is expected to be a monocoque chassis underpinning Toyota Avanza.Source More

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    Toyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept Debuts At IIMS 2022

    From the first glimpse, Toyota Innova Electric appears to be based on the existing Innova Crysta with a similar exterior and interior designToyota Innova Electric ConceptToyota has been tight-lipped about its electric vehicle (EV) programme but media reports have suggested that the Japanese brand is investing a big chunk of its resources into development of EVs. While the company is developing a new dedicated platform for upcoming future EVs, it is also producing electrified versions of existing models.The Japanese auto giant has now taken the covers off from a fully electric Innova Crysta at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta. The battery-powered MPV has been previewed via a video presented to media personnel attending the event.Toyota Innova Electric PreviewedFirst glimpse of the electric Innova reveals that its design is very much similar to the current Innova Crysta on sale across many South Asian markets including India. The only major difference in its exterior styling is a sealed-off front nose which is typical of all EVs.To further distinguish itself from its IC engine counterpart, Innova Electric features blue highlights all over its exterior body. These blue highlights are even present in LED elements inside headlamps and taillamps as well as the Toyota logo taking centre stage upfront.[embedded content][embedded content]There is also a distinct blue stripe running across the side profile parallel to its shoulder line. It stands on silver-coloured six-spoke alloy wheels which are different from the ones seen in the current Innova. The fuel-filler lid now serves as the EV charging bay.Interiors & FeaturesInteriors of the electric Innova are identical to its IC engine sibling, at least from first glimpses shown. It gets a similar dashboard layout with a floating top and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display taking centre stage. Interiors are more or less likely to be similar with contrasting dark and light upholstery. Blue accents on upholstery further amplify its EV nature.Visible features on offer include a multifunction steering wheel, a digital instrument console, a touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and auto climate control. Other expected features on offer include an air purifier, a 360-degree camera, cruise control, etc.Toyota Innova Electric ConceptWhen will it launch?Toyota hasn’t yet shared any official details regarding its specifications or architecture. It is unclear if the company intends to take this model into production stage or is it just a concept.The company is already developing a new generation model of Innova which off late has been spied testing on overseas as well Indian roads. The new-gen Innova is expected to make its global debut at the end of this year. Launch is likely to take place by Jan 2023. More