Toyota has introduced the bZ4X Concept, what it says is the first in a series of battery-electric vehicles under the “Toyota bZ” brand.
Toyota said it plans to expand to around 70 electrified models by 2025, including 15 dedicated battery electric vehicles, or BEVs. Seven will carry the bZ — beyond Zero — moniker.
The Toyota bZ4X SUV Concept is built in the e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform. It was jointly developed with Subaru, using Subaru’s all-wheel drive capabilities in the design.
The bZ4X SUV concept has a long wheelbase with short overhangs, Toyota said, and an open-concept interior.
The instrument panel is placed in a low position, meant to expand on the concept vehicle’s sense of space, as well as increase driving visibility, Toyota said.
Toyota said it will produce the bZ4X in Japan and China, with worldwide sales by the middle of 2022. U.S. details will be shared later.
Toyota said it all plans to bring hybrid and BEV powertrains to its pickup truck lineup, all meant to push toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
In all, Toyota said, its lineup of electrified vehicles account for more than 40 percent of all alternative powertrain vehicles sold in the U.S.