Tag: Battery Electric Vehicle

  • Toyota Reveals New Corolla Concept with BEV and FCEV Plans

    Toyota Reveals New Corolla Concept with BEV and FCEV Plans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Toyota unveiled the new Corolla Concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, aiming to be “a car for everyone.”
    2. The design features smooth lines, sharp headlights with an LED lightbar, wraparound brake lights, and a unique interior layout with ‘floating’ panels.
    3. The concept may offer multiple powertrain options, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, and traditional internal combustion engine.
    4. Toyota is also developing a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) version of the Corolla, focusing on a smaller hydrogen cell size.
    5. The production timeline and final design details of the Toyota Corolla Concept are still to be announced.

    Toyota has introduced a new Corolla Concept during the Japan Mobility Show 2025. The company claims this model is “a car for everyone”; it holds the title of the world’s best-selling car, with a remarkable 50 million units sold from 1966 to 2021.

    A Fresh Design

    For the latest Toyota Corolla Concept, the Japanese automaker has revealed an updated design, featuring smooth lines and a contemporary interior. The front of the car showcases sharp headlights, linked by an LED lightbar. The rear includes wraparound brake lights, and the concept is also equipped with a panoramic roof. Inside, the driver faces a unique layout with ‘floating’ panels shaped around the steering wheel, replacing the usual dashboard. The center console has a small model of the car that serves as a gear selector.

    Powertrain Options

    During the event, Toyota expressed its intention to potentially offer this updated model as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a hybrid (HEV), or a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Photos of the Toyota Corolla Concept suggest it may be a battery electric vehicle, as there is a charging port situated behind the front driver’s side wheel.

    Future Developments

    Additionally, a new report indicates that Toyota is also developing a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) variant of the next-gen Corolla. In a discussion with Autocar, Mitsumasa Yamagata, President of Toyota Hydrogen Factory, mentioned that their team is working on a hydrogen-powered engine for the vehicle, aiming for a smaller cell size to prevent a major redesign of the concept.

    It is yet to be determined when the Toyota Corolla Concept will enter production and how similar the final version will be to the model presented this year.

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  • 2025 Tesla Model Y Wins IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 7th Year

    2025 Tesla Model Y Wins IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 7th Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Tesla Model Y has received the highest safety rating from the IIHS for the seventh consecutive time.
    2. The IIHS conducts thorough crash tests and rates vehicles on safety from Good to Poor.
    3. The Model Y excelled in occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies, achieving a “five-star safety grand slam.”
    4. The Model Y has received top safety ratings from multiple global organizations, including C-IASI, ANCAP, NHTSA, and Euro NCAP.
    5. In 2024, the Model Y made up 10.9% of all battery electric vehicle sales and was the first electric vehicle to lead global car sales.

    The Tesla Model Y has received the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This marks the seventh time in a row that the SUV has achieved this prestigious recognition.

    Tesla China’s official Weibo account announced this achievement. CEO Elon Musk was quoted in a post by @Muskonomy on X, saying, “Model Y rated highest in safety.”

    About IIHS Ratings

    The IIHS is an independent, non-profit organization based in the US that conducts thorough crash tests and evaluates vehicle safety. Their safety ratings, which are highly sought after, range from Good, Acceptable, Marginal, to Poor. They test vehicles for frontal, side, rollover, and rear-impact scenarios.

    Model Y’s Performance

    Tesla China reported that the Model Y received the top scores for occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies. They stated that the electric SUV achieved a “five-star safety grand slam.”

    Global Recognition

    Globally, the Model Y has been recognized for its high safety standards. It has received top ratings from the China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (C-IASI), the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

    The Tesla Model Y continues to be the leading battery electric vehicle worldwide, making up 10.9 percent of all BEV sales in 2024, as reported by AutoVista24. It was also the first electric vehicle to lead car sales on a global scale.

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  • New All-Electric Toyota C-HR+ SUV Launching This Year

    New All-Electric Toyota C-HR+ SUV Launching This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Toyota C-HR+ is a new electric coupe-SUV, combining features from the C-HR plug-in hybrid and the Compact SUV concept.
    2. It offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with battery choices of 57.7 kWh and 77 kWh.
    3. The AWD variant has up to 343 DIN horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 5.2 seconds, while the FWD model has a maximum output of 224 DIN hp.
    4. The C-HR+ has an expected WLTP range of up to 600 km and comes with standard features like a Blind Spot Monitor and Adaptive High-beam System headlights.
    5. The vehicle will launch in selected European markets later this year, with a wider release planned for 2026, but pricing details are not yet available.

    Toyota has introduced the C-HR+, a brand new electric vehicle. This model is labeled as an electric coupe-SUV, merging features from the C-HR plug-in hybrid and the Compact SUV concept. The manufacturer states that the ‘+’ in the name signifies its adaptability.

    Specifications and Options

    The C-HR+ is constructed on the e-TNGA BEV platform, providing buyers with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) choices, along with 57.7 kWh and 77 kWh battery options. According to Toyota, the AWD variant, which is exclusively paired with the larger battery, is among the most powerful in its European range, boasting up to 343 DIN horsepower (252 kW) and achieving 0 to 100 km (~62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds. In contrast, the FWD model equipped with the 57.7 kWh battery produces 167 DIN hp (123 kW), while the 77 kWh version generates 224 DIN hp (165 kW).

    Charging and Range

    These electric vehicles are supplied with an 11 kW charger as standard, and there’s a 22 kW option on the High trim. The company states that the WLTP range can reach up to 600 km (~373 miles), although more tests are needed to confirm this. Standard features include a Blind Spot Monitor and Adaptive High-beam System headlights, with additional offerings like Park Assistant and Panoramic View Monitor available on the High trim.

    Interior and Launch Details

    Measuring 4,520 mm in length and having a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the model allows for a roomy cabin and a 416 L trunk. Inside, drivers will find a 14-inch multimedia display, two wireless smartphone chargers with USB ports at the back, and a panoramic roof. Plus, users can track their vehicle via the MyToyota app. The C-HR+ is set to debut in selected European markets later this year, with a broader launch planned for 2026. However, Toyota has not yet disclosed the pricing for this new electric vehicle. Additionally, the company has recently shared updates about the bZ4X.

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  • Toyota bZ4X: New Features and Improved Charging Performance

    Toyota bZ4X: New Features and Improved Charging Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Toyota bZ4X will offer two battery options: 57.7 kWh and 73.1 kWh, enhancing customer choice.
    2. The FWD model with the 73.1 kWh battery will produce 224 DIN hp, while the AWD model will have 343 DIN hp.
    3. The maximum WLTP range for the bZ4X could reach up to 356 miles (about 573 km) with the new battery options.
    4. Enhanced features include increased towing capacity of 1,500 kg, a 22 kW AC onboard charger, and a battery pre-conditioning feature for better charging efficiency.
    5. The updated bZ4X is expected to launch in Europe by late 2025, with uncertain pricing implications due to the new battery options.

    The Toyota bZ4X is about to offer customers a selection of two battery options. This update is part of a broader refresh for the battery electric vehicle that debuted in 2022. Right now, the basic model, bZ4X Pure FWD, comes with a 71.4 kWh battery (150 kW) that has a WLTP range estimate of 271 miles (around 436 km).

    New Battery Choices

    Customers will soon have the option to choose between battery capacities of 57.7 kWh and 73.1 kWh. The smaller battery is only available for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model, which produces 167 DIN hp (123 kW). The FWD version equipped with the 73.1 kWh battery provides 224 DIN hp (165 kW), while the all-wheel drive (AWD) model has a powerful 343 DIN hp (252 kW). This peak power is partly due to enhancements in the company’s eAxle system, which now incorporates silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors. Toyota estimates that the maximum WLTP range could reach 356 miles (about 573 km).

    Enhanced Features

    The towing capacity for the AWD model has also increased to 1,500 kg, and the High grade version will include a 22 kW AC onboard charger. Additionally, the new Toyota bZ4X will come standard with a battery pre-conditioning feature, aimed at improving charging efficiency. There are also modifications to the EV’s exterior design, an updated interior, and a new BEV navigation feature that aids the driver by considering their remaining range and nearby charging stations.

    Launch Plans

    The updated Toyota bZ4X is set to be launched in Europe by late 2025. It is still uncertain how these updates, especially the addition of a lower battery capacity option, will influence the pricing of this electric mid-size SUV. Recently, Toyota has also introduced the new C-HR+ battery electric coupe-SUV targeted at the European market.

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  • New Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Launching in 2025

    New Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Launching in 2025

    Toyota has revealed its new Urban Cruiser EV aimed at the European market. This battery electric vehicle (BEV) boasts a roomy interior, partly due to a sliding rear seat design. The compact SUV measures 4,285 mm (about 168.7 inches) in length, 1,640 mm (around 64.6 inches) in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm (approximately 106.3 inches).

    Different Versions Available

    Customers interested in the Urban Cruiser can select from three different versions, all built on a brand-new BEV platform. The base model features a front-wheel drive (FWD) system with 144 horsepower and 189Nm of torque, powered by a 49kWh battery. The next tier also offers FWD, but with an output of 174hp and the same torque rating, paired with a larger 61kWh battery. Lastly, the premium option is an all-wheel drive (AWD) variant which provides 184hp, 300Nm of torque, and utilizes the larger 61kWh battery.

    Performance Details Pending

    Details on performance metrics like the estimated driving range are still pending. The FWD variant includes a unique snow mode that modifies torque to minimize wheel slip. On the other hand, the AWD model is equipped with Downhill Assist Control and a Trail Mode that can detect wheel spin and apply brakes as needed. All configurations will come standard with features such as adaptive cruise control, a collision detection system, lane-keeping assist, and 360° cameras. The debut of the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV is scheduled for the Brussels Motor Show in 2025, taking place from January 10th to 19th. The electric SUV is anticipated to hit the UK market in the autumn, although the pricing details are still unknown.

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