It is under the spotlight of the Shanghai Motor Show that Toyota presents its first 100% electric SUV: it is called bZ4X Concept and anticipates the production version, expected in dealerships in the middle of next year. The bZ4X is also the first of a series of battery electric vehicles, as well as the first model to bear the new Toyota name bZ – which stands for “beyond Zero” -. “It is not just about helping to protect the environment with a zero-emission vehicle, but about going“ beyond zero ”by making driving easier and more fun,” explains chief engineer Toyoshima in an official statement.
By 2025, Toyota aims to launch 15 battery electric vehicles, including 7 Toyota bZ models. Developed in collaboration with Subaru, the vehicle is built on the new e-TNGA modular platform, specially designed for electric vehicles. “The long wheelbase and the reduced overhangs contribute to creating a remarkably spacious interior”, assure the parent company. Inside there is a low dashboard, designed to promote visibility and emphasize the sense of space, and digital instrumentation, positioned above the steering wheel.
Also noteworthy is the on-board solar charging system, which increases the overall autonomy of which, however, the details are not known. Instead, the mechanics setting is known, which involves four-wheel drive: it uses electric motors on the front and rear axles and was developed together with Subaru.
Also noteworthy is the “steer-by-wire” system, which promises to eliminate the disturbances generated by rough road surfaces and those of braking, giving the driver a more precise response, in line with the speed of the vehicle and the steering angle. . This technology, according to Toyota, allows the traditional circular steering wheel to be retired, because the variable steering angle allows the driver not to have to move their hands around the steering wheel while tackling a tight curve.
By 2025, Toyota will offer more than 70 electrified vehicles in its range globally. These will include, as noted above, at least 15 battery electric vehicles. In Europe this will translate, by 2025, into a powertrain mix of over 70% full hybrid cars, more than 10% plug-in hybrids (i.e. rechargeable) and more than 10% battery-electric or electric models. powered by fuel cells (using hydrogen to produce electricity, therefore).
[[(gele.Finegil.StandardArticle2014v1) Il manager è stato premiato anche perché il gruppo Toyota è rimasto redditizio nel 2020, nonostante la pandemia]]
