Toyota’s Electric SUV to be Ready in “Short Term,” Company Says
Expect to see a lot of changes at Toyota and Lexus. The Japanese automaker and its luxury brand will launch 25 all-new or redesigned products in North America within the next 16 months.
The most anticipated is arguably the electric SUV being developed with Subaru. According to Bob Carter, head of sales for Toyota Motor North America, the vehicle will be ready “in the short term.” Will it be sold as a Toyota or Lexus? That remains to be specified. Same thing for the name.
- Also: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: So Close to Perfection
- Also: Demand for Toyota Hybrids is Far Exceeding Automaker’s Expectations
As you know, Toyota and Lexus have long been the benchmark for hybrid technology, but they still don’t have a full battery-electric vehicle in their lineup. The Toyota Mirai, of course, uses a hydrogen-powered fuel cell system and is not really intended for mainstream adoption.
The teaser at the top of the page was released by the company. We can see a dynamic silhouette with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, large wheels and a coupe-like roofline. Size-wise, this SUV is expected to be similar to the RAV4.
Toyota says it will use an electric variant of its new global architecture, called e-TNGA, which can be adapted in a number of ways. In this case, the spacious interior would allow three rows of seats.
An official preview including a bunch of technical details will take place in the coming months, promises Koji Toyoshima, Deputy Chief Officer at Toyota’s EV factory in Japan. It’s possible Europe will have priority, however. Also, similar to the RAV4 Prime, limited battery availability combined with centralized production in Japan will likely create a long waiting list in Canada and the U.S.
By the way, the picture gallery above includes leaked patent images from China's National Patent Office, as well as a concept showing Subaru’s version of the electric SUV.
Other future Toyota products we’re anxious to see include the next-generation Tundra, due for the 2022 model year and riding on a new platform shared with the smaller Tacoma, which will also be redesigned.