Toyota revealed two BEV concept models – the bZ Sport Crossover Concept and bZ FlexSpace Concept – at Auto Shanghai.

The concepts are being developed as part of the Toyota’s all-electric bZ series and the company says they will be launched in the Chinese market in 2024 as two out of the 10 BEV models that it plans to release by 2026.

While details and specifications are to come, Toyota does say the bZ Sport Crossover Concept is being jointly developed by BYD Toyota EV Technology (a joint venture established by Toyota and BYD) FAW Toyota Motor, and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) (TMEC). It is planned to be produced and sold by FAW Toyota Motor.

Toyota says the concept ‘has been designed with functions to provide a personal space for the younger customers, or Generation Z. The bZ Sport Crossover Concept is also being developed so that its functions will continue to evolve after purchase, including intelligent features such as driver assistance and automatic parking, so that owners can continuously enjoy a most up-to-date car with all five senses.’

The bZ FlexSpace Concept is a family-oriented SUV with a focus on utility. It is being jointly developed by Toyota, Guangzhou Automobile Group, GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., and TMEC, and is planned to be produced and sold by GAC Toyota Motor. Toyota says the bZ FlexSpace Concept offers a large cabin space, advanced safety, a reliable cruising range, as well as various intelligent functions.

No word as to whether the production variants of these models will be available outside of China, but they look like interesting propositions and Toyota recently announced its target of selling

1.5 million electric vehicles per year by 2026, so who knows what may happen.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (May 2023) 

15 May 2023