Toyota might finally be getting serious about electric vehicles. The company has been quite slow in producing electric cars, but it recently unveiled a new model called the Toyota Urban. This vehicle represents Toyota’s effort to create a low-cost, mass-produced electric vehicle.
The Toyota Urban is designed to compete with cars like the Volvo EX30 and Hyundai Kona Electric. It aims to be a cost-effective small SUV, offering an alternative to pricier models such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. The car made its debut at Toyota’s annual Kenshiki Forum in Brussels.
However, it’s worth noting that the Urban is currently just a concept vehicle. By the time it reaches production, it will probably have a new name. Toyota has been using the “bz” naming convention for its electric cars, so this trend is expected to continue.
Toyota says the Urban’s design draws inspiration from the Toyota Yaris Cross, another compact crossover. The focus has been on maximizing interior space to provide more room for both passengers and cargo.
There will be two battery options for the Urban: a more affordable entry-level model and a more expensive long-range version. Although specific range details haven’t been disclosed, leveraging Toyota’s solid-state battery technology could make the range quite impressive.
This new model could be just the beginning for Toyota in the electric vehicle market. The company plans to release five new electric models in Europe by 2026. More details about the Toyota Urban are expected soon, with a production model likely to be revealed in early 2024.
While the Urban is set to launch in Europe, it’s still unclear whether a U.S. version will be available. If it does make its way to the U.S., it will face tough competition as many companies are now focusing on crossover-sized electric vehicles.