Toyota recently revealed it is entering the electric-vehicle market in Europe, and rumors claim it will sell under the BZ moniker.
We know the EV market has been bombarded with cars from various manufacturers for the past two years. But one did not get into the hype and continued to focus on hybrid engines, namely Toyota. However, the Japanese manufacturer will be coming out with its own all-electric lineup very soon. The series would probably carry the name “BZ” and will use an entirely new platform.
Toyota released a concept sketch of its first BZ series vehicle, likely to carry the name BZ3. The sketch shows an angular body design, with a long and wide frame. Toyota’s upcoming all-electric SUV should be similar to the RAV4 in terms of size, perhaps slightly bigger. The model has a unique look and doesn’t resemble any other Toyota vehicle, just like the Prius Hybrid did when it first launched.
Toyota won’t develop its electric lineup alone, though – it will build the BZ3 crossover with Subaru. There are multiple similarities between Toyota’s sketch and Subaru’s recent electric concept, suggesting both cars will use the same platform.
The BZ series stands for ‘Beyond Zero,’ which is Toyota’s primary objective. Recently, the Japanese carmaker trademarked several names in the BZ series, such as BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4, and BZ5. Toyota also trademarked BZ4X and BZ5X sub-models, which would probably be AWD variants. Also, the nomenclature suggests that the BZ3 would sit right in the middle of the lineup.
The first all-electric Toyota will sit on the all-new flexible e-TNGA electric platform. Like its standard TNGA counterpart, it can fit various vehicle sizes and powertrain configurations while also supporting multiple battery sizes.
Toyota is expected to reveal more details about its first EV soon. Meanwhile, according to reports, BZ production at Toyota’s ZEV factory in Japan already started. The same factory should produce the Subaru twin and numerous other battery-electric vehicles.
The Toyota BZ3 should go on sale in Europe and Japan in 2021. Later, the company will probably sell the vehicle in other markets, including North America.
