Toyota’s New EV Breaks Cover, And It’s a Head-Turner

Toyota is gearing up to unveil its latest electric vehicle, and this one promises to shake things up in the rapidly evolving EV market. Slated for an official debut on March 11, 2025, this new all-electric crossover is expected to be the production version of the bZ Compact SUV Concept revealed in 2022.

With a sleek, coupe-like design, upgraded technology, and potentially competitive pricing, this model could be a stand out in Toyota’s EV lineup.

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A Sleek, Sporty Design with Practicality in Mind

Toyota has teased the new EV with a single image and a short video, revealing a sculpted, aerodynamic design that closely resembles the bZ Compact SUV Concept. The vehicle’s sporty fastback-style roofline, aggressive front-end styling (Toyota’s “hammerhead” design), and rear lightbar all contribute to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.

Despite its compact size, Toyota claims the crossover will offer “surprising space” and practicality, making it a strong contender for urban and suburban drivers. Expect a roomy cabin, cleverly designed storage solutions, and premium features to enhance both comfort and functionality.

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Positioning in Toyota’s EV Lineup

The new crossover will join Toyota’s growing EV family, sitting between the larger bZ4X and the recently introduced Urban Cruiser. While Toyota has yet to confirm the vehicle’s official name, it was initially speculated to be called the bZ3X. However, Toyota has been moving away from the “bZ” naming convention, so a fresh nameplate may be in store.

In terms of size, if it closely follows the 2022 concept, expect dimensions around 4,544 mm in length and 1,564 mm in height—making it slightly smaller than the bZ4X but longer than the C-HR hybrid crossover. This places it in direct competition with models like the Volvo EC40 and Smart #1.

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Battery, Power, and Range Expectations

Toyota has not officially disclosed the EV’s battery specs, but industry reports suggest it will offer multiple battery options similar to the Urban Cruiser EV. This could mean:

• A 49 kWh battery with a front-mounted 106 kW motor.
• A 61 kWh battery paired with an all-wheel-drive setup producing 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque.

Charging speeds are expected to reach 150 kW, ensuring competitive fast-charging capabilities. If these specs hold, range estimates could land around 240 miles (386 km) for the AWD version, putting it on par with many rivals in the compact EV segment.

Interior Tech and Features

Toyota has yet to reveal the interior, but we can make some educated guesses. Unlike the Suzuki-derived Urban Cruiser, the new EV is expected to follow the design language of the latest Toyota C-HR. This means:

• A 12.3-inch infotainment system
• A fully digital driver’s display
• A raised centre console for a more engaging driving feel
• Premium materials and ambient lighting for an upscale touch

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Higher trim levels could also offer a panoramic sunroof, JBL premium audio, and sport seats. Given Toyota’s focus on practicality, we can also expect a well-sized cargo area to accommodate daily needs and road trips alike.

What About Pricing and Market Availability?

While Toyota has yet to confirm pricing, estimates suggest the EV could start at around £38,000 (approximately AUD 73,000), this would place it in line with the BYD Atto 3 which retails from £37,695 in the UK.

As for market availability, Toyota has not announced which regions will get the new crossover. However, with Toyota’s $14 billion EV battery plant in the US ramping up production and Australia’s growing demand for EVs, there’s a strong possibility it will reach Aussie shores sooner rather than later.

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Will This Be Toyota’s Breakout EV?

Toyota has been playing catch-up in the EV race, but this new crossover could mark a turning point. If it delivers on design, practicality, and range at a competitive price, it might finally be the Toyota EV that wins over mainstream buyers.

With the official reveal set for March 11 at 23:01 GMT, we won’t have to wait long for full details. Will this be the EV that changes the game for Toyota? We’ll find out soon. Stay tuned for updates!