Toyota Motor Europe (TME) today presented more details of the upcoming products and technologies that will lead the company towards zero emissions in Europe. It revealed more details on its promise to introduce six dedicated BEV models by 2026, with the presentation of the Urban SUV and Sport Crossover concepts. Those 2 concepts are joining the Compact SUV concept revealed last year and the bZ4X, showing 4 of the 6 models. It also gave insights on the development of next generation battery technologies that will be rolled out to vehicles beyond 2026.
Speaking at the company’s annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels, Andrea Carlucci, vice president at Toyota Motor Europe, said: “Looking at Europe specifically, the market today is highly diverse. But the target is 100% carbon neutrality by 2035 – in just 12 years’ time. This is something we are committed to achieving.”
6 dedicated BEV by 2026
Globally, Toyota has developed a multipath approach to carbon neutrality, which aligns with its commitment to providing a range of powertrains that address the specific customer needs, market conditions and local infrastructure in different world regions. Its programme embraces hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric systems, hydrogen combustion engines and e-fuels.
In Europe, its model range will include six dedicated battery-electric vehicles by 2026. In addition to the bZ4X that is already on sale and the Compact SUV concept trailed at last year’s forum, Toyota previewed two further vehicles that will broaden the line-up: an Urban SUV Concept and a Sport Crossover Concept.
The Urban SUV concept is a close-to-production design for a model that next year will enter what’s expected to become one of Europe’s largest BEV market segments. It has authentic SUV design and draws on the success of the hybrid electric Toyota Yaris Cross, a top-selling model in its class. As well as the option of all-wheel drive – a key element for Toyota products – customers will also have two battery choices, to suit their budget or driving range requirements.
The Sport Crossover Concept signals an alternative to SUV models with a distinctive, fastback profile that will make it a style hero for the BEV line-up. It is scheduled for introduction in Europe 2025.
Next generation batteries beyond 2026
The next-generation technologies Toyota is developing for post-2026 will change the way vehicles are developed, made and used. It will ensure that zero-emission mobility is affordable and accessible, true to its commitment to delivering sustainable mobility for all, with no one left behind.
It is preparing to introduce a series of new batteries, the first of which will be a performance version, designed with a conventional structure but expected to offer twice the driving range and a 20% cost reduction compared to the current bZ4X.
This will be followed by a good quality, low-cost battery that will help popularise BEVs. It will have new shape, a bipolar structure and use cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as its principal material. The aim is for this to increase range by 20% and reduce cost by 40% (vs bZ4X).
The third battery to be introduced will focus on high performance, using bipolar technologies and a high nickel cathode. Even lower costs and a further extended driving range are expected.
Turning to the prospect of Toyota’s first solid state batteries, Andrea Carlucci said: “We have made a technological breakthrough that overcomes the long-standing challenge of solid state battery durability. A method for mass production is currently being developed and we are striving for commercialisation in 2027-2028 with production capacity of several tens of thousands of vehicles.”
From the start, Toyota is looking to achieve a charge time from 10 to 80% of just 10 minutes.
Other technologies are also being developed for next-generation BEV production, engineering and design. The Kenshiki forum hosted the first European presentation of the Toyota FT-3e concept, a tech-study that embraces the full range of future technologies, minimising weight, maximising aerodynamic performance and controlling costs. The FT-3e looks at how in the future cars might offer more than mobility by connecting with society and enabling the transfer of energy and data.
