Toyota has fallen behind in the electric car market. Already because the market is managed and stimulated Chinese manufacturers – goes very fast, hits very hard and breaks the habits of traditional manufacturers. It is difficult to follow the rhythm for historical brands in these conditions. And above all, because the Japanese manufacturer initially preferred give priority to the hybrid to the detriment of 100% electric. We understand this from the very beginning 1997 Prius, Toyota has become the ultimate champion of this technology. A proliferation of variations (full hybrid, plug-in hybrid), platforms and models. Today in France, as in Europe, Toyota’s model range consists mainly of hybrid models. Yaris, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4, even the biggest Highlander! We understand why the Japanese took their time, taking advantage of the hybrid’s good health on the Old Continent…

Beyond zero

WITH The strategy of the European Commission to ban heat until 2035However, Toyota is also obliged to follow the electricity market. Literally a year ago, he suddenly opened up 16 concepts of electric models of the future ! From city cars to SUVs, from sports cars to utility vehicles! There were so many of them that it was difficult to determine the ones that would give rise to serial models. Therefore, the relative delay is quite suggestive arrival of beautiful new products in the coming months. The electric range now rotates around label bZ for “beyond zero” which can be awkwardly translated as “beyond zero emissions”. Two bZ models have already been presented: of course there are SUV bZ4X (electric RAV4), which will soon arrive at the concession. And also a bZ3 sedan (anti-Tesla Model 3) reserved for China….

A second electric SUV for Europe?

In the case of Los Angeles Auto ShowToyota presented the third guy in the group: bZ Compact ! Although it’s officially just a concept, it’s very similar to the other two in style and specs. That’s why it really is very close to the future production version ! Its characteristic silhouette can be recognized among a thousand: it is very similar to the current C-HR hybrid ! Therefore, the future electric model of Toyota for Europe can be just this one! The manufacturer decided to develop his own new bZ label primarily with SUVs. This is not surprising, because their number is growing, especially in 100% electric, and there is a demand. Based on Toyota’s nomenclature, it can be assumed that it is will be called bZ3Xand will be located a little lower bZ4X ! There is no official announcement not done at the moment, but it just has to bea matter of months from now on…