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Auto Shanghai 2021: Toyota begins electrification with bZ4X Concept
Japanese automaker Toyota has now, following its luxury subsidiary Lexus, which is already in the market with the fully electric compact SUV UX300e, given a preview of the pure electrification of its model lineup. The Toyota bZ4X, still bearing the suffix "Concept," debuts at Auto Shanghai as the first standalone battery-electric vehicle from the Japanese brand. The all-wheel-drive midsize SUV is also meant to represent the shift from a pure automobile manufacturer to a holistic mobility provider. The acronym refers to local emissions-free "beyond Zero." The concept was developed jointly by the Toyota Motor Corporation and Subaru Corporation and is expected to go into production around mid-2022. The model focuses on a comfortable and spacious interior with high quality of stay, envisioning the car as a "hub" in the future, according to Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima.
Platform Economy: Ample Space Based on the e-TNGA
Despite the SUV-typical elevated seating position, the vehicle is designed to sit firmly on the road. The front lacks the customary radiator grille found in conventionally powered vehicles; instead, various sensors, lights, and aero-elements form a distinctive shape. Building on the modular platform e-TNGA, which was specifically developed for battery-electric vehicles, the concept car combines a long wheelbase with short overhangs. The front part of the passenger cell is designed around the drive module. This is intended to make the driver feel connected to the road, while the low-lying instrument panel improves all-around visibility and the sense of space. For easy readability and operation, all controls are grouped around the center console. The digital driver display above the steering wheel is designed to provide all essential information without requiring the driver to move their eyes significantly.
Intelligent Battery Management Optimizes Range
On the drive side, the first electric car from the Japanese brand is expected to benefit from more than 20 years of experience in electrification. The complete electric drive system, including motor, control unit, and battery management system, promises exceptional efficiency and competitive range. An integrated solar charging system extends the possible driving distance. Building on the battery technology of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, engineers have developed a more powerful and larger high-voltage battery for the battery-electric vehicle, which is also designed to maintain range in cold weather. Additionally, they aim to offer true SUV qualities. Electric motors on the front and rear axles enable an all-wheel drive system that is intended to enhance not only off-road capability but also safety. More control over the vehicle is to be ensured by a steer-by-wire steering system. This eliminates interference from rough road surfaces and braking processes, improving the response behavior dependent on speed and steering angle. The traditional, round steering wheel is replaced by a kind of steering yoke, which is meant to eliminate the need for hand-over-hand turning.
Late but Sure: Launch of the bZ Model Series
The concept is the first model from the new "bZ" portfolio, which is expected to grow to a total of 15 battery-electric vehicles worldwide by 2025, including seven "bZ" models. By then, Toyota's electrified model range will include more than 70 vehicles, including hybrids. In Europe, they aim for a drive mix of more than 70 percent hybrids, around 10 percent plug-in hybrids, and a good 10 percent zero-emission models by 2025 – both battery-electric and fuel cell-electric models. The focus is on mobility solutions tailored to real-life experiences and needs, claim the Japanese.
"It's not just about contributing to environmental protection with emission-free vehicles. We want to offer added value beyond zero emissions by making driving easier and more enjoyable," says Chief Engineer Toyoshima.
The "bZ" models are also meant to accompany the entire company on its path to CO2 neutrality. With various approaches and initiatives, they aim to eliminate emissions throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle – including manufacturing, sales, usage, recycling, and final disposal. The Japanese automotive giant is committed to making a global contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is determined to achieve carbon neutrality.
Translated automatically from German.
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Elektromobilität , Newsletter Elektromobilität , IAA Mobility , SUVs und Geländewagen , Hybrid , Antriebsarten, Kraftstoffe und Emissionen , Oberklasse- und Sportwagen , Carsharing , Autonomes Fahren (Straßenverkehr) , Ladeinfrastruktur , Verkehrspolitik , Formel E , Brennstoffzellen , Fahrzeug-Vernetzung und -Kommunikation , Fahrzeuge & Fuhrpark , Automotive-Messen & Veranstaltungen , Pkw, Kompakt- und Mittelklasse , Minis und Kleinwagen , E-Auto-Datenbank, E-Mobilität-/Automotive-Newsletter, E-Auto-Tests
