Accelerating: Toyota and Lexus are accelerating electrification plans

With the exception of a number of fully electric commercial vehicles, the Toyota/Lexus group currently has only two EVs in its lineup: the Toyota BZ4X and the Lexus RZ450e. Two cars that are completely different in character and design, but nevertheless connected under the skin. The Japanese company seems to have missed the EV boat, but looks can be deceiving. Over the next two years (that’s kind of a week in car years) they will be launching fourteen zero-emission vehicles, including six fully electric Toyotas. During the Kenshiki 2023 conference in Brussels, the group presented its plans and InstaAutoVlogs Irwin Versteegh was present.

Low pressure in the boiler

No, the Japanese certainly didn’t miss the EV boat to begin with. Well, innovating faster and trying to avoid being left behind wouldn’t do any harm, but the strategy of Toyota and Lexus is the result of green expansion. Unlike other manufacturers, the group has been following a course to reduce CO₂ for years.

The result? Of all the volume brands, the Toyota group has the lowest average CO₂ emissions. While other car brands urgently need EVs to reduce the average, the pressure was less in Japan.

Many years of established hybrid technology, the electrification of every traditional train leading to lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, is therefore paying off. Whether it’s a small car like the Toyota Yaris or a top-of-the-line Lexus model in the form of the LS500h, electrics have been the group’s unique selling point for more than 25 years. Now it’s time to move on and focus on the electric motor.

Electricity, but not everywhere

Although the company is currently still using a multi-channel approach, Lexus, for example, must be the all-electric car brand in Europe by 2030. Please note: the rest of the world will follow five years later. This multi-channel approach means the brand is visible beyond just EVs. The Japanese currently see Europe as the world leader in terms of acceptance and implementation of electric driving. However, it would be foolish to think that they can only change in each country. For those markets, the hybrid without a plug-in remains the best option for now until they too can make the switch.

This is also reflected in sales figures: in 2022, 66 percent of Toyotas and Lexuses sold around the world were electrified, but the brand hopes to break the 75 percent barrier in 2024. In addition, apart from our own country, there are several important EV markets . Consider Norway, where 75 percent of new cars sold are fully electric, as is the UK. The British want 22 percent of the supply in car showrooms to be electric by 2024. So we’re working on it, but Toyota seems ready.

Electric Yaris Cross

In the first half of 2024, the brand will launch a fully electric model in one of the most important car segments for the coming years: the B-class crossover. The group is already working with the hybrid Toyota Yaris Cross and Lexus LBX, but a new electric model will be added soon – currently in the form of the Concept Urban SUV. It is a compact looking car that is generally larger in size than the Yaris Cross. For example, it is as high as the Corolla Cross. The technical details are not yet available; After all, it’s a concept car, but Toyota shows that they take ‘mobility for everyone’ seriously.

For example, it comes in the market with two battery packs to reduce the entry price. Choosing a four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive configuration is also an option, as is the flexibility of the interior thanks to the sliding rear seat. Providing separate batteries and electric motors is a particularly good option. That’s the rule with conventional cars, but surprisingly it’s still unique with EVs.

Quick recovery for the future

Alongside the Urban Crossover Concept, a slick rear hatchback was parked in Brussels. A car that can be placed next to the Camry in terms of size and is a precursor to a car that will be presented in 2025: the Sport Crossover Concept. A luxury car that should attract a new generation of Toyota buyers to the showroom by then. What is special is the fact that this concept car is the result of a partnership that the group entered into with the Chinese BYD, which is currently almost the largest EV manufacturer in the world and is known in our country for ATTO 3 and Dolphin, among other things.

While there is a real possibility that the aforementioned vehicles are based on the eTNGA platform (which also includes the BZ4X), the FT-3e that also exists is the full-scale provider of the new technology. This research model, which we can expect most in 2026, is a car that will be placed on top of the current BZ4X and should start on a new platform and battery technology by then. The platform is made in part using gigacasting and is therefore cheaper to manufacture.

Instead of the traditional 170 parts, the front or rear of the car has only two components. Toyota promises that repairing or repairing damage will remain affordable and possible.

Bad-for-wire

Toyota platform? Yes and no, because before Toyota parades it around, it will be Lexus that will be the first with a brand new model with this technology. At the Kenshiki forum we were able to get acquainted with the Lexus LFZC. It is a special harbinger of a car that (surprise!) will be launched in 2026 and will be in the class of the current ES300h in terms of size.

What is surprising is that Lexus also aims for a Cd value below 0.20. Very aerodynamic, which should ensure the lowest possible energy consumption. In the interior we also see a Yoke steering wheel with drive-by-wire technology and multiple screens that use the brand new software in the Arene OS system. With the latter, Lexus strives to find a better compromise between hardware and software, partly with the help of AI.

Solid state-accu

Where will the energy come from then? From one of the many new battery technologies that are being worked on, including solid state. From 2027 onwards, the group wants to make waves with its promising solid-state battery. There is even talk of payment time from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 minutes. Recently there have been technological breakthroughs in this area that should ensure the durability and reliability of the so-called solid-state battery. We are currently working hard to get these new batteries ready for production.

Solid state batteries not only reduce charging time, but also store more energy in a small battery pack. However, the company is also looking more broadly and is also focusing on other battery technologies, such as LFP. Toyota is talking about a new shape and ‘bipolar’ technology. This should offer 20 percent more range and a 40 percent cost reduction compared to the current BZ4x. The energy exchange between the Toyota and the house is also looked at.

A clear strategy

One thing is clear: the Kenshiki 2023 platform once again seems to offer a good view of the future, but also a little later than the Toyota group. Last year the message was broader in terms of technology, this year the strategy is clear. The Japanese are also moving towards a future of zero emissions and especially battery-electric vehicles.

However, the brand continues to focus on hydrogen and is even testing hydrogen / combustion engines for assembly, for example. Before we get there, however, we’ll start next year with the production version of the Urban Crossover Concept, and the car looks set to have a golden future.