A new Toyota EV will be unveiled on March 11, and it is expected to be the production version of the coupe-SUV-like the 2022 bZ Compact SUV concept. The EV will be Toyota’s third all-electric model, and when it arrives in international markets, it’ll join the larger bZ4X, and recently revealed Urban Cruiser EV. As we had reported earlier, Toyota plans to have a total of six new EVs by 2026, at least in markets abroad.
- Toyota teaser image shows many elements from concept continue
- New Toyota EV to get AWD option
- Interior expected to be similar to Toyota C-HR
New Toyota EV design details
New Toyota EV to sport ‘hammerhead’ design
Toyota has released a single silhouette image and a teaser video of the e-SUV, which show the production car has retained many elements from the concept, from the raked roofline to the extended bonnet. The rear features a lightbar and the front-end has Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead’ design.
It shares similarities – along with some notable differences, such as the rear light design – to the Chinese-market bZ3C fastback, revealed at the Beijing motor show last year. This suggests it could be a European variant of that car, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Rivals likely to include the Volvo C40 Recharge
The new Toyota EV also looks to be the same size as the bZ Compact SUV concept. That model was positioned to take on the likes of the Volvo C40 Recharge and Smart #1.
New Toyota EV battery and range details
Teaser video shows AWD tech
Like the smaller Urban Cruiser, the new EV is expected to be sold with a range of battery sizes and motor set-ups. For example, the video shows the EV badged AWD for all-wheel-drive. In the Urban Cruiser, AWD means a motor fitted to both axles for a combined 184hp and 300Nm of torque. This is paired with a 61kWh battery for a range of about 400km. Entry-level variants of the Urban Cruiser draw power from a 49kWh pack, with power coming from a 144hp front-mounted motor. Both versions can charge at speeds of up to 150kW.
New Toyota EV interior and features
Cabin likely to be familiar to Toyota C-HR owners
The teasers do no show anything of the new EV’s interior, but it is expected to be similar to the Toyota C-HR rather than the Urban Cruiser. This would mean a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a raised centre console and a digital instrument cluster can be expected. Top-spec variants would likely get a panoramic sunroof, and a JBL sound system, among other premium features.
New Toyota EV name
bZ3X name unlikely to be used
The name of the new Toyota EV is still unknown. While the model was initially tipped to be called the bZ3X, indicating its smaller size compared to the larger bZ4X, it may now use the new Urban Cruiser nomenclature.
New Toyota EV India launch details
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV India launch this year
There is no word on whether Toyota will bring this new e-SUV to India. On the other hand, Toyota Urban Cruiser EV prices are expected to be revealed in India later this year, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
