Toyota Electrifies Europe: From Urban Chic to Sporty Style!
Hey there, fellow road warriors and electric enthusiasts! It’s time for a celebration, because Toyota is finally throwing its hat into the electrification ring, and it's doing it with style. Unlike Nissan, who’s engineers decided on a weird and wonderful path to EV stardom, Toyota is doing what it does best - trying not to offend anyone and attract everybody. I'm here to guide you through the latest electrifying additions to Toyota's European lineup – the Urban SUV Concept and the Sport Crossover. Get ready to be both impressed and amused, because these EVs are taking the stage, and they've got some personality!
First up, we have the Toyota Urban SUV Concept, and no, it's not trying to be the next rockstar of SUV names, but it's here to prove a point. This compact EV crossover may not have the flashiest title in the business, but Toyota is known for reliability, and practicality, not catchy names. Standing at a compact 4,300 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, this little contender packs a punch. It's shorter and narrower than its sibling, the C-HR, but it's engineered to cater to all tastes, offering both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options.
But what's really catching our attention is Toyota's commitment to choice. Like a good buffet, they're offering battery options. You can have your basic entry-level variant or go all-in for a pricier, long-range version. Range figures are still under wraps, but hey, it's the thought that counts, right?
Unlike some other automakers, Toyota isn't just slapping some electric bits onto an existing combustion platform. Oh no, they're building the Urban SUV Concept on a dedicated EV platform. That means better EV performance and a unique design. And don't worry, even though it's called a "concept," most of its eye-catching appearance is likely to make it to the production model. You might get regular side mirrors on the entry-level model, but the fancy cameras might come with the pricier option. So, take your pick!
Thankfully, Toyota isn't stopping at the Urban SUV Concept. They've got a whole electrification parade planned for Europe. By 2026, they're aiming for over 20% of their European annual deliveries to be EVs. That's more than 250,000 combustion-engine-free vehicles hitting the road every year. But Toyota isn't just about EVs; they're also cooking up a third-generation fuel cell hydrogen technology for 2026. And for the pickup fans out there, the trusty Hilux will get a 48V mild-hybrid setup in 2024. Toyota's electrification game is stronger than ever, and it's about time!
Now, let's shift gears and talk about Toyota's Sport Crossover. After unveiling the Urban SUV Concept, they're back with another electrifying gem. This collaboration with China's BYD is set to hit European roads in 2025, and it's here to make a statement.
The Sport Crossover isn't your run-of-the-mill SUV. Nope, it's got a sleek, fastback-style design that's bound to turn heads. With five doors and spacious interior, it's designed for both aesthetics and functionality. Toyota wants it to be a "style hero" for first-time EV buyers, and from the looks of it, they're on the right track.
This electrifying ride is a product of the BYD Toyota EV Tech Co, a joint venture between Toyota and China's leading EV manufacturer, BYD. These two have already cooked up some magic with the co-developed bZ3 EV in China, and it seems like the Sport Crossover will follow suit.
Toyota's electrification plans in Europe are nothing short of ambitious. They're unleashing five new EVs by 2026, with the Urban SUV Concept leading the charge in 2024. It's taking on the likes of the Volvo EX30, Hyundai Kona electric, Jeep Avenger, and more. And the Sport Crossover is gearing up to rival Hyundai's Ioniq 6 in the fastback EV category - Toyota is dead-set on making a mark in the European EV scene.
So - Toyota is finally waking up and smelling the electric coffee. They might have started a bit slow, but they're picking up speed, and they're here to stay. It's an electrifying journey, and we can't wait to see what Toyota has up its sleeve next. Judging by its latest plans for Celica revival and with an electric MR2 reincarnation on the horizon - we are up for one hell of an electric ride. Let’s just hope this isn’t one of those “all smoke no fire” PR stunts where we are promised an electric supercar and Citroen Ami arrives in post instead. Stay charged my friends!
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
