Toyota will unveil a new EV on March 11, expected to be the production version of the rakish bZ Compact Crossover concept from 2022.
It will arrive as the third EV in Toyota’s range, joining the larger bZ4X and recently launched Urban Cruiser.
Toyota has previously said this line-up will grow to six EVs by the end of 2026, including a production version of the Volkswagen ID 7-rivalling Sport Crossover concept.
A single silhouette image and teaser video has been released of the crossover, which reveal the production car has kept many elements from this concept, such as its raked roofline and extended bonnet. It’s bookended by a rear lightbar and Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead’ front-end design.
It also looks to be the same size as the concept, which was positioned to take on the likes of the Volvo EC40 and Smart #1. In the Toyota stable, it will sit between the slightly larger bZ4X and hybrid-powered Toyota C-HR.
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 181bhp and 221lb ft of torque. This is paired with a 61kWh battery for a range of 240 miles.
Entry-level versions of the Urban Cruiser draw power from a 49kWh pack, with power coming from a 142bhp front-mounted motor.
Both versions can charge at speeds of up to 150kW.
Nothing has been shown of the interior of the new EV, but expect it to follow the new C-HR rather than the Suzuki-twinned Urban Cruiser. This would mean a 12.3in infotainment, a raised centre console and a digital driver’s display.
