Toyota, Subaru at Shanghai Introduce Latest Joint-Venture EVs

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota and Subaru jointly developed EVs

As it stands now, Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025.

In the growing partnership between Toyota and Subaru to become carbon-neutral to ameliorate the devastating effects of global climate change, the companies used Auto Shanghai, a motor show held in Shanghai, China, to introduce their latest jointly developed electric vehicle –  the bZ4X.  The Toyota bZ4X Concept, is the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be introduced under the “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella. Other partners in the green juggernaut under full sail include BYD, Daihatsu and Suzuki. Toyota plans to introduce 15 BEV models by 2025, including seven new BEV models of the Toyota bZ series. (Japan Inc: Toyota and Hino to Pioneer Light-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Trucks with Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson)

Toyota plans to produce the Toyota bZ4X in Japan and China, with worldwide sales of the model by the middle of 2022. U.S. product details eventually will emerge, but the product lines were under development with during the previously failed administration, currently ensconced in exile at Mira-lardo, that was hostile to globalization and started a losing trade war with China, the world’s largest auto market. Some delays were inevitable. The Toyota US lineup that, in total, accounts for more than 40% of all alternative powertrain vehicles sold in the U.S. – including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell electrics, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

The Toyota bZ4X is an SUV BEV jointly developed with Toyota’s partner, Subaru. It adopts the e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform that was jointly developed by the two companies: Toyota with advanced expertise in vehicle electrification, starting with hybrids; Subaru is expert on AWD technologies.

bZ4X Highlights

  • Using a BEV-specific platform, the bZ4X combines a long wheelbase with a short overhang; this helps distinctive exterior design while providing an interior space comparable to a D-segment mid-size sedan.
  • A uniquely shaped steering wheel eliminates the need to change grip when steering, and also contributes to a spacious interior; the vehicle has steer-by-wire system.
  • The low position of the instrument panel and the location of the meters/gauges above the steering wheel serve not only to enhance the vehicle’s sense of space, but also improve visibility and contribute to safe and secure driving.
  • The bZ4X adopts a new AWD system jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. Claimed are safe and pleasing driving performance made possible by the unique responsiveness of electrified vehicles with an impressive off-road performance.
  • In addition to the use of regenerative energy systems, the vehicle also adopts a solar recharging system. This cleverly recharges the battery while stationary, and further enhances the unique environmental performance of a BEV. It also provides cruising range – yet to be proven – that helps customers in wintertime.

As it stands now, Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025. This future lineup will have 15 dedicated BEVs, including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. In addition, Toyota intends to bring electrification to its pickup truck lineup in the near future, including hybrid and BEV powertrains. This diverse portfolio of electrified products is intended to move Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

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