At the 2022 LA Auto Show, Toyota revealed its bZ Compact SUV Concept, the second all-electric vehicle from the bZ (Beyond Zero) lineup. Despite Toyota claiming “Beyond Zero,” the carmaker doesn’t have much to show regarding zero-emission electric vehicle sales, as per Electrek.
After hyping the premiere of its fifth-generation hybrid Prius, the Japanese automaker provides a look at what could be its next fully-electric model.
Even though the company has led in hybrid technology for over 20 years, the manufacturer struggled to switch to fully-electric models. Toyota unveiled its first pure EV, the bZ4X, earlier this 2022. Unfortunately, the rollout was not very promising.
The automaker recalled all EV models sold over concerns that the “wheel can detach from the vehicle.” Ever since then, the company has lightened up somewhat to the idea of all-electric vehicles.
Notably, Toyota stated at the end of August that it would commit an extra $2.5 billion for its NC EV battery plant.
It would “serve a central role in Toyota’s leadership toward a fully electrified future and will help us meet our goal of carbon neutrality in our vehicles and global operations by 2035.”
Then, more recently, reports came up that the company is “considering a reboot of its electric-car strategy to better compete in a booming market,” even though company executives have steadily denounced going all in on EVs.
To date, the company has sold a total of 232 all-electric vehicles despite calling itself a “leader in electrification.” Hopefully, Toyota’s second electric vehicle and latest initiatives can give life to the automaker’s zero-emission strategy.
Toyota unveils its second EV, the bZ Compact SUV
The bZ compact SUV is made from the ground up in what Toyota calls “a clean-vital design approach.”
The carmaker’s new approach “aims to express what’s special about battery electric vehicles while also offering fun to dive, exhilarating performance.”
Moreover, even though the company is not releasing specs yet, it says its second EV “represents a vehicle with zero emissions, utilizing eco-conscious interior materials, that also brings dynamic performance, leading technology and a stylish appearance.”
In addition, Toyota stated it went for a “futuristic look” with an aggressive wheel stance, sweepback angles, and short overhangs. The bZ compact SUV includes some eco-friendly features, like utilizing plant-based and recycled materials for seating as part of its “Beyond Zero” theme.
With attention to connectivity, the Japanese manufacturer includes an “in-car agent” named “Yui” that connects passengers with the vehicle.
Toyota’s 2030 & 2050 goal
The new EV is part of Toyota’s strategy to roll out 30 battery electric vehicles by 2030 while boosting it toward its 2050 goal of carbon neutrality.
