Toyota's production-bound BEV bZ4X concept

This one is interesting. Recently Toyota's Chairman got visibly upset when folks questioned his stance on EVs. He stated that hydrogen was the future and these same folks asked why take the middle step when they could just go with a true battery-only EV? Let's remember that hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles use hydrogen mixed with oxygen in the air to make electricity to send to batteries to then drive the vehicle. The only tailpipe emission is water. Cool right? And then you must consider where the hydrogen comes from either water or hydro-carbons (aka oil) processed. But as you can see, eliminating the hydrogen-fuel cell and by putting in larger batteries can accomplish the same thing in a much simpler manner. Plus you don't have to drive around with highly-pressurized hydrogen tubes which are incredibly flammable. Like blow-up flammable (remember blimps?). Sure the tech has made advances but ICE cars don't catch fire like in the olden days (remember that your gas tank is basically a Molotov Cocktail) and that battery fires are few in comparison (unless you blow it like GM has with recent Chevy Bolts...supposedly fixed btw).  Let's move ahead to today's post. Toyota recently announced it's new EV division bZ (as in let's get busy or I'm so busy? Oh Beyond Zero, right...) with the debut of the bZ4X crossover concept. The RAV4 sized ute is handsomely styled, but no specs have been released. The bZ4X is expected to go into production next year so more info is around the corner. No word on whether this concept (and production version) will ride on a new more-efficient EV-only platform or whether the bZ4X utilizes an existing one. Expect Lexus and Subaru versions. I know more information is on the horizon, but this is a step in the right direction for Toyota and our futures. Maybe Toyota executives should take their chairman for a ride in a new Tesla Model S of a Lucid Air. I really take issue with the media release making Toyota sound like the EV leader. The numbers quoted include hybrids (like the Prius, etc.) and while a hybrid is a good step, a full battery-electric vehicle is better on many counts. And in just a few short years, EVs will be purchase-cost competitive since they are already cheaper to run.

Source: Toyota - Media release, pics, and video after the "read more" jump.

Media Release:

Toyota Debuts All-Electric SUV Concept in U.S.

• Toyota bZ4X BEV Concept includes new AWD system packaged in a sleek SUV design
• Electrified product portfolio to expand to around 70 models globally by 2025, including 15 new BEV’s
• Solidifies Toyota’s global commitment toward carbon neutrality by 2050

The Toyota bZ4X Concept touched down to make its North American debut at Toyota Motor North America’s headquarters.

Already a leader in electrification, the company has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Toyota bZ4X Concept, the vision for the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be introduced under the “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella.

“Roughly the size of a RAV4, with the versatility to stand apart from other BEVs, it will be well-positioned in the sweet spot of the market,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing.  “And the best part is, it’s a Toyota – with the legendary quality, durability and reliability our customers expect.”

Jointly developed with Subaru, the Toyota bZ4X SUV Concept features the new e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform. The concept conveys Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and long-term reliability (QDR) in combination with AWD capabilities to achieve a driving experience that is both comfortable and engaging.

The Toyota bZ4X SUV Concept features a long wheelbase with short overhangs, resulting in a distinctive design with ample interior space. The open-concept interior is designed to enhance driver comfort and confidence on the road. With every detail purposefully engineered, the low position of the instrument panel and the location of the meters above the steering wheel not only help expand the vehicle’s sense of space, but also increase visibility to aid in safe and secure driving.

Toyota envisions a future in which carbon neutrality is achieved through the practical marketization of a portfolio of products with advanced, alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technologies.

Overall, Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025. This future lineup will feature 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. In addition, Toyota intends to bring electrification to its pickup truck lineup in the near future. This diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

More information on the production model of the Toyota bZ4X will be shared later this year, with sales planning to begin in 2022.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible.