Toyota is expanding its lineup of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with two new models that will debut in 2023: the Toyota bZ FlexSpace and the Toyota bZ Sport Crossover.
The bZ stands for "beyond zero," which reflects Toyota's vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and offering a diverse range of electrified vehicles that meet various customer needs and preferences.
The Toyota bZ FlexSpace is a compact BEV that offers a spacious and versatile interior with a flat floor and a sliding rear seat. The vehicle can accommodate different passenger and cargo configurations, making it ideal for urban mobility, family outings, or business use.
The Toyota bZ Sport Crossover is a midsize BEV that combines dynamic performance and handling with a sleek and sporty design. The electric vehicle features a low center of gravity, a powerful electric motor, and a responsive steering system that deliver a fun-to-drive experience.
Both electric vehicles are based on the e-TNGA platform, which is a dedicated architecture for BEVs that allows for flexibility in size, design, and battery capacity. The platform also enables advanced technologies such as wireless charging, over-the-air updates, and bi-directional power supply.
The two new models are part of Toyota's global plan to introduce 15 BEVs by 2025, including seven bZ series vehicles. Toyota aims to sell more than one million BEVs and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) annually by 2030.
According to Bob Carter, executive vice president of sales for Toyota Motor North America, the company is committed to providing customers with more choices and options in the electrified vehicle market.
"We are not just launching new BEVs. We are launching a new era of Toyota electrification," Carter said. "With our bZ series vehicles, we are offering something different from our competitors: BEVs that are not just environmentally friendly, but also fun to drive, easy to use, and accessible to everyone."
The Toyota bZ FlexSpace and the Toyota bZ Sport Crossover will make their global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in June. They will go on sale in the U.S. in 2023 as 2024 model-year vehicles.
