Japanese legacy automaker Toyota teased some of the potential designs and technologies for its planned next-gen battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) by unveiling its FT-3e concept for the first time at its Kenshiki forum in Brussels, Europe.
FT-3e concept details
According to the press release, the FT-3e concept boasts a “versatile, new generation BEV architecture” that can support various product developments like the Lexus LF-ZC luxury saloon and the FT-Se sports car concepts.
Design
Car Magazine noted that the FT-3e concept is a four-door crossover with a boxy layout. Toyota says that the model has a length of 4,860mm, a width of 1,955mm, and a height of 1,595mm. Notably, it is lower than the Toyota bZ4X by 5.5cm.
It sports tidy accents such as animated lighting and door displays to monitor the vehicle’s battery status. It incorporates innovative styling and minimalistic body lines and surfaces.
New platform
Toyota apparently noted that the FT-3e will share a similar architecture with the FT-Se concept and the Lexus LF-ZC, which were also unveiled at the recent 2023 Tokyo Auto Show.
“Every part of the company will benefit from this new platform, and that includes GR.”
Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer
Battery tech developments
According to the report, Toyota plans to launch multiple battery sizes and chemistries in the next few years with this particular platform. The mix includes a Performance variant that can apparently boost driving range twofold and reduce cost by 20% compared to the bZ4X model. Toyota expects to release this battery tech in 2026.
The Japanese automaker also aims to develop a low-cost lithium iron phosphate battery with a 20% range boost and a 40% cost reduction from the bZ4X.
In addition, Toyota also aims to launch its solid-state batteries soon, with plans to commercialize the cutting-edge battery tech in 2027-2028.
“We have made a technological breakthrough that overcomes the long-standing challenge of solid-state battery durability. A method for mass production is currently being developed, and we are striving for commercialization in 2027-2028 with a production capacity of several tens of thousands of vehicles.”
Toyota’s European Vice President, Andrea Carlucci
Excitingly, Toyota aims to release production models with solid-state battery tech and new-gen software from 2026. All these efforts are crucial for the company to compete in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
