On the Kenshiki forum, Toyota showed a preview of his future. After unveiling some new features at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, the Japanese car maker took advantage of this new event to unveil some more new features and reaffirm its “multi-energy” approach. The manufacturer will therefore continue to focus on electric, hybrid and hydrogen engines, both fuel cells and internal combustion engine fuels.
Among the most interesting news presented on the Kenshiki forum is An urban SUV concept that anticipates the contents of an electric SUV which will be part of a new line of 6 battery-powered vehicles that Toyota will launch by 2026.
At the moment, not many details have been revealed. However, the Urban SUV concept is an electric model that Toyota will release. in the first half of 2024. The production model will be very similar to this concept. Her measures their length is 4300 mm, width 1820 mm, height 1620 mm.
Speaking about its characteristics, the car manufacturer limited itself to the statement that a production model will be offered. with two different batteries adapt to the needs of each client in terms of autonomy. Moreover, it will be available not only with front-wheel drive, but also with all-wheel drive. More details, according to Toyota, will be revealed in early 2024. Therefore, all that remains is to wait for additional information to arrive.
At the Kenshiki Forum held in Brussels, Toyota also presented Sports crossover concept and FT-3e concept. These are not completely new, as these concepts were demonstrated a few months ago.
The first is an electric crossover developed by a joint venture between Toyota and BYD. The automaker did not provide any specific technical details. However, he added that the production model will also arrive in Europe in 2025. It will also be sold in China. We’ll have to wait a little longer to find out its technical specifications.
The Toyota FT-3e concept does not imply a production model. It’s an electric crossover that incorporates some of the innovations we’ll see on future vehicles from the automaker. Essentially, it is based on the next-generation electric vehicle platform that Toyota is developing. A car that should therefore also be equipped with the new batteries that the Japanese car manufacturer has talked about in the past. The dimensions of this concept are 4860 mm long, 1955 mm wide and 1595 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3000 mm.
Toyota also unveiled the FT-Se concept, an electric sports car under the GR (Gazoo Racing) brand. This car was also shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. Its dimensions are 4380 mm in length, 1895 mm in width and 1220 mm in height. Thanks to its shape and size, the concept can be seen as an electric successor of sorts to the MR2.
Unfortunately, we know nothing about the technical characteristics of the car. So, there are no details about the engine, performance and autonomy. This car is also based on the new Toyota platform and will be equipped with new generation batteries. At the moment we don’t know if there will be a production model in the future.
Toyota used the Kenshiki forum to once again talk about its strategy related to the development of next-generation batteries.
Therefore, the manufacturer is preparing to introduce new types of batteries. The former will offer double the current autonomy (compared to the bZ4X) and a 20% reduction in costs. Following this, a battery with LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells will arrive, which will increase autonomy by 20% compared to the bZ4X and reduce the cost by 40%. The third type of battery will have a cathode with a higher nickel content and is intended for high-performance models.
Obviously there will also be solid state technologies. Toyota is currently working to bring the first generation of these batteries to market by 2027/2028. According to the manufacturer, these batteries will significantly reduce charging time. We are talking about 10 minutes of transition from 10 to 80% charge.
For hydrogen strategy, a new generation of fuel cell system will appear in 2026, which, in addition to increasing productivity, will significantly reduce production costs. This technology will be used in several industries. Not only on cars and light commercial vehicles, but also on heavy vehicles and ships. As part of its hydrogen strategy, Toyota is investing in a hydrogen plant in Europe.
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.