Following its vision to achieve carbon neutrality through the practical marketisation of a portfolio of products with advanced, alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technologies, Toyota Motors has introduced Toyota bZ4X Concept.
The vehicle, a vision for the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles introduced under the ‘Toyota bZ’ brand umbrella, is jointly developed with Subaru on the new e-TNGA BEV- dedicated platform. The concept conveys Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and long-term reliability (QDR) combined with Subaru’s AWD capabilities to achieve a driving experience that is both comfortable and engaging.
The bZ4X concept joins a full line-up of electrified vehicles, which in total accounts for more than 40% of all alternative powertrain vehicles sold in the US. These alternative powertrains include battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell electrics, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Toyota plans to produce the bZ4X in Japan and China; it hopes to begin worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022.
Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025. This future line-up will feature 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. In addition, Toyota intends to bring electrification to its pickup truck line-up in the near future, including hybrid and BEV powertrains. This diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Toyota bZ4X SUV concept features a long wheelbase with short overhangs, resulting in a distinctive design with ample interior space. The open-concept interior is designed to enhance driver comfort and confidence on the road. With every detail purposefully engineered, the low position of the instrument panel and the location of the meters above the steering wheel not only help expand the vehicle’s sense of space but also help increase visibility to aid in safe and secure driving.
Bob Carter, Executive Vice President – Sales, Toyota Motors North America, said, “The Toyota bZ4X concept points to yet another option in our already robust electrified portfolio. At Toyota, we are a human-centred company – the customer is our CEO and will ultimately decide which technologies will carry us toward a carbon-neutral future. With investments and product offerings across the spectrum of electrification, we intend to be there with products and technologies that meet the diverse needs of customers around the world.”