Toyota is late to the EV party but it’s been signaling its zero-emission intentions with a plethora of concepts. The latest electric vehicle goes by the generic name of “Urban SUV” and will represent its entry point into full electrification when it launches next year. Presented at the company’s annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels, the new small electric crossover will sit alongside the hybrid and plug-in hybrid C-HR in the brand’s growing portfolio.
At 169.2 inches (4300 millimeters) long, 71.6 in (1820 mm) wide, and 63.7 in (1620 mm) tall, the Urban SUV concept is slightly shorter and narrower but a smidge taller than the C-HR. It has been engineered with both front- and all-wheel drive, which means it’ll come in single- and dual-motor configurations. Customers will get to pick from two battery sizes, but Toyota isn’t ready to talk about them yet.
Its underpinnings are not shared with an existing combustion engine vehicle since Toyota says its Volvo EX30 competitor will sit on a dedicated EV platform. The somewhat chunky styling is in line with bZ models, and although it’s labeled as a concept, the production model can’t be that much different. One of the changes planned is the adoption of regular side mirrors instead of those tiny cameras.
The small crossover will be one of the approximately 15 zero-emission models Toyota intends to have on sale in Europe by 2026 across its passenger and commercial vehicle lineups. Shown at Auto Shanghai earlier this year, the Sport Crossover has also been confirmed for the Old Continent. In addition, last year’s bZ Compact SUV is also coming to Euro land.
Between now and 2026, Toyota will launch six dedicated EVs. By 2026, Toyota projects more than 20 percent of its European annual deliveries will be represented by EVs. The automaker has done the math and it expects to sell more than 250,000 cars without a combustion engine to European customers each year by 2026.
Toyota’s road to zero emissions won’t be all about battery-powered EVs since a third generation of its fuel cell hydrogen technology is coming in 2026. Meanwhile, partial electrification is being added to the Hilux as the pickup truck will be getting a 48V mild-hybrid setup in 2024.
