Toyota Unveils New Electric Concept Car 'bZ4X'... Sales to Begin by Mid-Next Year

Electric Vehicle Brand 'bZ' Unveiled at China Shanghai Motor Show

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a new electric vehicle (BEV) brand called 'Toyota bZ' and unveiled the concept car bZ 4X. Toyota plans to launch a total of 15 electric vehicle models, including 7 bZ models, by 2025.

On the 19th (local time), Toyota revealed the bZ brand and the concept vehicle of its first model, the Toyota bZ 4X, at the '2021 Shanghai International Motor Show' held in Shanghai, China.

According to Toyota, the bZ 4X unveiled that day is the first electric vehicle in the Toyota bZ series and is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) model jointly developed with partner Subaru. It features the dedicated electric vehicle platform e-TNGA, co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, providing interior space comparable to a D-segment sedan.

Additionally, it adopts a new all-wheel drive (AWD) system jointly developed with Subaru, which leverages the quick responsiveness unique to electric vehicles to offer safe and comfortable driving performance. Furthermore, it is equipped with a solar charging system that recharges the battery while stationary, enhancing winter usability, a common challenge for electric vehicles. Toyota plans to produce the bZ 4X in Japan and China and aims to start global sales by mid-2022.

Toyota intends to accelerate electrification with the launch of the bZ brand. Accordingly, Toyota plans to introduce 15 electric vehicle models by 2025, of which 7 will be under the Toyota bZ brand. The bZ brand will be developed targeting regions with high demand for electric vehicles and abundant renewable energy power supply, such as China, the United States, and Europe. The name bZ stands for Beyond Zero, signifying going beyond simple zero emissions.

In particular, regarding the bZ series, Toyota is collaborating with various partners to jointly develop a range of electric vehicles of different sizes and styles, as it is challenging to introduce them all independently. Specifically, partners include China's BYD, Japan's Daihatsu, Subaru, and Suzuki.

To realize 'Mobility for All,' Toyota is establishing new business models such as battery reuse and recycling commercialization, while also introducing ultra-compact electric vehicles focused on small groups and short-distance use. The C+pod, launched in December last year, is a representative example.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.