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Toyota’s Brings New Rugged, Fast EVs to US
Bets Hedged on Electrification
Toyota’s go-it-slow approach to electrification has seemingly been vindicated over the last year as demand for BEV (battery electric vehicles) has slowed (though still rising modestly year-over-year). While other car companies like GM, Ford, and Hyundai were buying making bold and rapid pivots to electrify their lineups, Toyota said they were taking a more conservative approach, promoting hybrid powertrains, both hybrids and plug-in hybrids, alongside BEVs and gas-only vehicles.
The company’s 1:6:90 rule outlined their philosophy on electrification. For the battery materials of every one BEV, six PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) or 90 traditional hybrids could be built. The emissions math clearly points in favor of hybridization. US buyers have been wary of making the jump from ICE (internal combustion engine) cars to fully electric ones, but many are still keen on both reducing their carbon footprints and saving on fuel.
The automotive markets in Europe and China, meanwhile, have heartily embraced BEVs with the market in China especially competitive with new automotive juggernauts like BYD establishing themselves as major global players. Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, hasn’t ceded ground, as a new bevy of EVs destined for China and Europe show.
New C-HR+ Debuts for European Market
Destined for the European market, Toyota’s new C-HR+ rides on the same e-TNGA platform as the bZ4x and shares similar styling. The C-HR+ will offer two battery configurations a 57.7-kWh or a larger 77-kWh pack. Powertrains will also split between single and dual-motor versions with the single motor version offering 167 or 224 horsepower, depending on the choice of battery, while the dual-motor will offer 343 horsepower and a zero-to-sixty time of 5.2 seconds. Range is estimated at a maximum of 373 miles on a single charge. Toyota discontinued the gas-powered C-HR in the US after the 2022 model year, but among the trio of EVs were discussing today, the C-HR+ is the most likely to come to the US.
New bZ3x to Compete with BYD in China
The Chinese EV market has exploded in recent years as friendly government incentives for both manufacture and purchasers have resulted in hundreds of new EVs startups and many well-heeled Chinese manufacturers looking to capitalize on the boom. Toyota’s bid to remain competitive will center on vehicles like the new bZ3x, a size smaller than the bZ4x (itself a compact crossover equivalent to the RAV4 in stature). Toyota says the bZ3x will start at 110,000 yuan ($15,170) and run to 139,800 yuan ($19,279) for those equipped with advanced driver assistance features like lane-keep assist. For comparison, BYD’s cheapest model, the Seagull, is priced at 69,800 yuan ($9,700) and the company says they plan on bringing advanced driver assist features to models below $10,000 in the near future.
Notably, Toyota is achieving cost savings on the new bZ3x by using lithium-iron phosphate batteries over typical lithium-ion batteries. The former concedes maximizing range in favor of cheaper componentry, thereby lower vehicle prices. This strategy has been key to BYD’s success as their most affordable EVs leverage lithium-iron phosphate batteries.
Cute Urban Cruiser Headed to Europe
European car buyers will also be treated with a subcompact (B category in Europe) all-electric crossover in the Urban Cruiser. That nameplate returns after an eight-year hiatus, formerly used on Europe’s version of the Scion xB. The Urban Cruiser will be built using the same architecture as the Suzuki e-Vitara and ride on a 106-inch wheelbase, roughly the same size as the Yaris Cross. Like the bZ3x, the Urban Cruiser will utilize lithium-iron phosphate batteries, coming in 49-kWh or 61-kWh sizes. The single motor version will offer 142 or 172 horsepower and either 186 or 248 miles or range depending on the battery chosen. The dual-motor version will offer 181 horsepower and a middle ground range of 217 miles. Of the three EVs, the Urban Cruiser is the most attractive, its chunky proportions make the most of the brand’s “hammerhead” front end design (shared with Toyota’s other crossovers).
Will Toyota Bring More EVs to US?
The Toyota bZ4x has not been a success in the US. Between early recalls, middling performance, and a lackluster marketing campaign it’s little surprise Toyota has had trouble moving the bZ4x. That’s unsurprising given the company’s emphasis on hybrids over EVs, especially for the US market. And yet…vehicles like the Ford Maverick hybrid have demonstrated that lower-than-average price points and a good degree of efficiency and utility can count for a lot among US car shoppers. Were it possible for Toyota to build and market a sub-$20,000 EV of good quality in the US, might buyers seeking a Tesla alternative take another look at Toyota’s full-electric offerings? Maybe. We’ll have to wait and see whether Toyota is interested in a bZ4x mulligan in the form of the C-HR+ to US shores. Though odds are the C-HR+ wouldn’t come close to a sub-$20,000 price tag.
