Toyota and Lexus presented their strategic plan for the electrification of their ranges on December 14. 16 concepts were presented during the event.
Car manufacturers are working on electrification, and each in turn presents ambitious short and medium-term strategic plans. Toyota and Lexus, although quite reluctant to electric vehicles and rather champions of the simple hybrid, are no exception. To make a show of strength, they even push the vice by presenting sixteen concepts at the same event. Yes, you read that right !
The bZ range gradually completed
In 2019, Toyota announced the launch of a specific range of electric models, called bZ (for Beyond Zero, beyond zero). It will be officially launched with the bZ4X SUV, also available at Subaru with the Solterra and then at Lexus with the RZ. But the brand does not stop there, since it presents four other concepts. All should be based on the same modular e-TNGA platform, dedicated to electrics.
A concept of small urban SUV, seeming very close to the recent Aygo X, should thus integrate the catalog in the coming years. The same goes for the concept of electric sedan and crossover halfway between a sedan and an SUV. The first study offers a traditional sedan look, with retractable handles like many other electric models today. The second relies on its sharp design to appeal to European customers fond of this type of bodywork. Finally, a concept of a large family SUV with seven seats is also unveiled, with a design that is very reminiscent of the Fisker Ocean. Few details were given on these concepts, the manufacturer does not even bother to offer them a name …
A series of unexpected electrical concepts
Apart from the specific bZ range, Toyota also seems determined to create electric variations of its traditional range. These unexpected models are potentially not all intended for the European market. Five other Toyota concepts are therefore presented, at the risk of being a bit duplicated: a low sports car, a compact SUV and a C-HR cut SUV version, a small leisure 4 × 4 reminiscent of the FJ-Cruiser and the old Land Cruisers, as well as an equivalent pick-up of the recent Tundra. Finally, the line of Toyota concepts is completed by the autonomous vehicles e-Palette, Micro Box and Mid Box.
Lexus becomes 100% electric between 2030 and 2035
Lexus, one of the brands of the Toyota group, was also concerned by this great presentation. The brand announced that it would only offer electric vehicles by 2030 in Europe, North America and China, then in all of its markets from 2035. Thus, the manufacturer has unveiled an avalanche of concepts, some of which were also totally unexpected. Sedan, sports coupe, SUV, station wagon and even convertible, there is something for everyone!
The closest to commercialization is the RZ SUV, which should arrive in 2022. It could be followed by a more imposing and seven-seater version, as well as another SUV with a more polished SUV-cut look. Lexus also offers its vision of an electric sedan that could be the offspring of the IS, which has now disappeared from the European market. Finally, the brand does not forget sport with a sharp sports coupe, which could be considered a descendant of the LFA.
Photos : Toyota, Lexus.
Read also on Auto-Moto:
Toyota hybrid: Yaris, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4… the models, their prices
Toyota Yaris Cross test: behind the wheel of the hybrid crossover
New Lexus NX 450h + AWD review: our opinion behind the wheel
Toyota and Lexus presented their strategic plan for the electrification of their ranges on December 14. 16 concepts were presented during the event.
Car manufacturers are working on electrification, and each in turn presents ambitious short and medium-term strategic plans. Toyota and Lexus, although quite reluctant to electric vehicles and rather champions of the simple hybrid, are no exception. To make a show of strength, they even push the vice by presenting sixteen concepts at the same event. Yes, you read that right !
The bZ range gradually completed
In 2019, Toyota announced the launch of a specific range of electric models, called bZ (for Beyond Zero, beyond zero). It will be officially launched with the bZ4X SUV, also available at Subaru with the Solterra and then at Lexus with the RZ. But the brand does not stop there, since it presents four other concepts. All should be based on the same modular e-TNGA platform, dedicated to electrics.
A concept of small urban SUV, seeming very close to the recent Aygo X, should thus integrate the catalog in the coming years. The same goes for the concept of electric sedan and crossover halfway between a sedan and an SUV. The first study offers a traditional sedan look, with retractable handles like many other electric models today. The second relies on its sharp design to appeal to European customers fond of this type of bodywork. Finally, a concept of a large family SUV with seven seats is also unveiled, with a design that is very reminiscent of the Fisker Ocean. Few details were given on these concepts, the manufacturer does not even bother to offer them a name …
A series of unexpected electrical concepts
Apart from the specific bZ range, Toyota also seems determined to create electric variations of its traditional range. These unexpected models are potentially not all intended for the European market. Five other Toyota concepts are therefore presented, at the risk of being a bit duplicated: a low sports car, a compact SUV and a C-HR cut SUV version, a small leisure 4 × 4 reminiscent of the FJ-Cruiser and the old Land Cruisers, as well as an equivalent pick-up of the recent Tundra. Finally, the line of Toyota concepts is completed by the autonomous vehicles e-Palette, Micro Box and Mid Box.
Lexus becomes 100% electric between 2030 and 2035
Lexus, one of the brands of the Toyota group, was also concerned by this great presentation. The brand announced that it would only offer electric vehicles by 2030 in Europe, North America and China, then in all of its markets from 2035. Thus, the manufacturer has unveiled an avalanche of concepts, some of which were also totally unexpected. Sedan, sports coupe, SUV, station wagon and even convertible, there is something for everyone!
The closest to commercialization is the RZ SUV, which should arrive in 2022. It could be followed by a more imposing and seven-seater version, as well as another SUV with a more polished SUV-cut look. Lexus also offers its vision of an electric sedan that could be the offspring of the IS, which has now disappeared from the European market. Finally, the brand does not forget sport with a sharp sports coupe, which could be considered a descendant of the LFA.
Photos : Toyota, Lexus.
Read also on Auto-Moto:
Toyota hybrid: Yaris, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4… the models, their prices
Toyota Yaris Cross test: behind the wheel of the hybrid crossover
New Lexus NX 450h + AWD review: our opinion behind the wheel
