Toyota showed off a concept version of the upcoming electric Toyota bZ4X at the Shanghai Auto Show. This new concept, which has been previewed, stands out as the first of the zero-emission battery electric vehicles series. Toyota bZ (beyond Zero) will introduce new electric vehicles globally with its new product range.
The first of this new product range and the mid-size SUV model Toyota bZ4X Concept, which has an all-wheel drive system (AWD), stands out as an important part of Toyota's path from being just a car company to a company that produces mobility for everyone. The 'bZ' abbreviation in the concept stands for the initials of 'beyond Zero' and is considered Toyota's success to go beyond just making zero emission and carbon neutral vehicles. With this vehicle, Toyota also aims to provide new benefits to society, individuals and the environment.
The new Toyota bZ4X Concept vehicle was developed in collaboration with Toyota and Subaru, based on the unique skills and experiences of each company. The production version of this vehicle is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2022.
Dynamic and versatile design
More than just a vehicle, the Toyota bZ4X Concept also makes all journeys more comfortable and paves the way for creating a vehicle that people will enjoy. Designed to meet the high expectations of people in electric vehicles without compromising any point, the Toyota bZ4X Concept combines dynamism and versatility.
While it has the high driving position of an SUV, it also offers a firm look. The surfaces appealing to the emotions on the body of the vehicle are brought together in a remarkable style. At the front of the vehicle, the familiar front grille design is abandoned, and instead of the "hammerhead" form, there are sensors, lighting and aerodynamic parts.
As wide as a large D segment
The Toyota bZ4X Concept is built on the new e-TNGA modular platform specially developed for electric vehicles. The rear legroom of the vehicle, which has a wide cabin with long wheelbase and short front-rear overhangs, is similar to that of a large D-segment model.
The front living area of the vehicle is designed around a "driving module". This gives the driver the feeling of being directly connected to the road and important information. The lower front console provides a panoramic view and a more spacious atmosphere. The controls are collected in the center console for easy use. Digital driver indicators are positioned on the steering wheel. Thus, the driver can see the information with a minimum of his eyes on the road.
Optimized driving range
The development program was carried out with the benefits of Toyota's leadership in vehicle electrification for over 20 years and the brand's decisive quality, durability and reliability. In this way, the electric power unit, consisting of engine, control unit and battery management system, has class leading efficiency and a highly competitive driving range. The environmental profile of the vehicle is also strengthened by the solar charging system on the vehicle, which increases the range.
Thanks to the extensive experience of the battery technology developed by Toyota for hybrid vehicles and hybrid vehicles that can also be charged externally, the larger, more powerful battery used for the Toyota bZ4X Concept has been developed to maintain high reliability, lasting performance and driving range even in cold climates.
High all-wheel drive capability in true SUV style
The AWD system in the Toyota bZ4X Concept is realized by electric motors on the front and rear axles. With Toyota's rich history and deep experience in this field, the Toyota bZ4X stands out with its all-wheel drive system. While the system provides the Toyota bZ4X Concept with true off-road capability, it also provides extra safety in all road conditions.
With the Toyota bZ4X Concept, developed with new technological features, for the first time in the world, an electronic steering linkage system with a different design will be combined in a mass-produced vehicle. This technology provides the driver with better control and eliminates the disturbance to be experienced on rough road surfaces. Along with the electronic system, the traditional, circular steering wheel has been replaced by a new steering wheel shape. This new technology adds more fun to the car by eliminating the need for the driver to turn their hands with the steering wheel when turning.
"Toyota bZ" more than new electric vehicles
The Toyota bZ4X Concept is Toyota's first model to bear the naming convention of the new bZ, beyond Zero. Toyota aims to offer 2025 battery-electric models by 7, including 15 Toyota bZ models.
This new battery-powered electric vehicle series allows people to switch from their existing vehicles to an electric vehicle without any disturbance, demonstrating all the benefits the electric car can offer.
Toyota's new bZ models will also contribute to achieving carbon neutral targets. It is aimed to be CO2 emission neutral throughout the vehicle's entire life cycle, including production, distribution, use, recycling and final disposal.
Toyota takes the 'beyond Zero' perspective in four points. The first and most important of these is positioned as "You and the Environment". Only the energy that the vehicle moves is not taken into account. It is also evaluating how regenerative or renewable energy can be used, such as solar power.
The second point is defined as "You and Your Car". Designed on a completely special platform, the battery-powered electric vehicle provides the use of the latest technological features, while at the same time bringing a safe and enjoyable driving experience with its superior connectivity features.
Third, the "You and others" perspective represents the electric vehicle, a large and quiet living space that can interact with people and share experiences together.
Finally, "You and Society" aims to make the world a better place for everyone, by looking at society from a broader perspective.
Concept built on Toyota's electrification leadership
The new Toyota bZ4X Concept represents the final milestone in the journey to achieve zero emissions that began more than 20 years ago when Toyota introduced the world's first production hybrid vehicle, the first Prius.
Ever since then, Toyota has always pushed the boundaries in vehicle electrification and increased the efficiency of hybrid technology. It has opened up new opportunities for the development of hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles that can also be charged externally by cable. Toyota has saved around 140 million tons of CO2 so far, selling more than 17 million electric vehicles. The electrification work carried out between 2010 and 2019 contributed to Toyota's reduction of average vehicle CO2 emissions by about 22 percent globally.
Toyota 'bZ' also highlights that Toyota's focus is beyond zero emissions for the mobility of the future. With the goal of providing “Better Mobility for All”, beyond Zero aims to provide Toyota's products and services that provide higher driving experience, better connectivity experiences and a safe environment for all drivers. All of these aim to create a better society in the world as the ultimate goal.
To achieve this, Toyota evaluates electrification technologies from a wide range of hybrids to suit different markets and vehicle usage types, hybrids that can also be charged externally with cable, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. In addition, Toyota considers hydrogen vehicle technologies as a clean energy source not only as automobiles, but also for different areas of use, including heavy commercial vehicles, trains and ships.
Electric motor product range is expanding
By 2025, Toyota will offer more than 70 electric vehicles in its product line globally. At least 15 of these will be battery electric vehicles.
By 2025, power unit sales rates in Europe will evolve into zero-emission models, with 70 percent hybrid, more than 10 percent hybrid that can be externally charged with cable, and more than 10 percent battery electric and fuel cell electric.
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