EV tag-team? Toyota reportedly developing new bZ small electric crossover with Suzuki
Joey Deriquito · Oct 9, 2023 10:59 AM
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The Toyota bZ small crossover concept could be the brand's next small EV made with Suzuki.
Toyota is set to develop another electric vehicle (EV) with the help of Suzuki.
The new vehicle will reportedly be called the bZ or “Beyond Zero” as the Japanese brand begins to move into the world of electrification beyond hybrids as it aims to catch up with EV leaders like Tesla and BYD.
Toyota has already made strides in the EV industry as the Japanese automaker has revealed its next generation of batteries, enhanced design methods and manufacturing upgrades to boost its efficiency.
The automaker also plans to launch new electric models with around 800 km of range using its advanced batteries in 2026. Toyota has also recently showcased its new Giga casting technology, self-propelled assembly lines and robot transporters for finished vehicles.
The new model also showcases the Japanese automaker's intent to remain a top brand globally, aiming to produce 600,000 EVs in 2025, tripling its 190,000 units expected in 2024.
Toyota has big goals for 2026 as it plans to sell 1.5 million EVs with 10 new electric models. These will cover diverse market segments, as some will be small cars, SUVs, crossovers and even luxury vehicles.
The Japanese automaker also wants to electrify the commercial vehicle segment with future models.
The Toyota bZ
PHOTO FROM TOYOTA
As the Toyota bZ is a collaborative effort between Toyota and Suzuki, it will combine Toyota's EV know-how with the small-car production specialization of Suzuki, especially as the latter Japanese brand isn’t known for its field in electrification.
We can expect the new EV to have a Suzuki platform, while it will have Toyota’s underpinnings with its hybrid/electric vehicle technology.
The bZ will remain a concept for now as Toyota has yet to reveal any other specifications about its small crossover EV. However, we expect more information to come out soon as further announcements could be made at the Japan Mobility Show.
Would you go for an EV built by Toyota and Suzuki?
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A car enthusiast at heart, nothing excites Joey more than an open road and a full tank of gas. Ready with the latest information about cars, he constantly studies and researches the latest happenings in the motoring world while caring for a car that's an extension of himself.
