Toyota

Toyota is definitely late to the electric party but it has announced some ambitious plans of launching 30 new EV models by 2030. Among the 30 EVs by 2030, Toyota bZ5x will be a three-row electric SUV. Interestingly, it will be the first Toyota EV to be manufactured in the USA at its Kentucky plant. As per various reports online, the production will commence in 2025. Toyota’s Kentucky production facility currently makes Camry and RAV4 hybrid SUV. To utilize the entire ecosystem, the batteries will be produced at Toyota’s new factory in North Carolina. Recently, this factory received an $8 Billion investment with the target of quadrupling its capacity. This investment will allow 10 battery lines to be operational. Hence, the foundation is strong. You might also like: $25,000 Tesla Model 2 Imminent with Expansion of Giga Shanghai Toyota bZ5x Three-Row Electric SUV The ‘bZ’ represents Toyota’s nomenclature to signify ‘Beyond Zero’. This incorporates electrification plans. The bZ5x will be the larger sibling of the popular bZ4x. The latter has been selling in decent numbers. Hence, the bZ5x will only try to expand on the practicality front to cater to a wider audience who wish to travel with their family members or large luggage. Specs While there are not too many details from Toyota about the three-row EV just yet, we expect it to come in an all-wheel-drive configuration as standard. This would stem from a dual-motor setup. It will be underpinned by the e-TNGA platform. Apart from that, the large electric SUV could measure around 197 inches (approximately 5,000 mm). That is in line with the Toyota Highlander and would rival Kia EV9. Design As far as the exterior styling goes, the bZ5x will draw inspiration from the bZ Large SUV concept which was previewed back in December 2021. Based on that, a digital rendition has emerged. This includes a sturdy stance with a sloping bonnet, sleek LED light bar running the width of the front fascia, slim LED headlamps, a massive sealed-off grille section, active air intakes on the extreme edges of the bumper for better aerodynamics and tire cooling, and a sturdy skid plate area to accentuate its SUV traits. Moving down the sides reveals a modern touch with rugged body claddings on door panels, a characteristic shoulder line, prominent wheel arches filled with elegant alloy wheels, a sloping roofline, black side pillars, flush-fitting door handles, and more. The rear profile could feature wraparound LED taillamps and a sporty tail section. All in all, the Toyota bZ5x will carry a modern and striking appeal. You might also like: Next-Gen Chevrolet Bolt To Be EUV Only – Will Get Ultium Tech Learn Electric Cars Says Toyota has been all over the place with its approach towards eco-friendly mobility. For the longest time, it has been experimenting with hydrogen cars, albeit with limited success. It was among the first mass-market hybrid carmakers in the world over 2 decades ago. However, it had been reluctant to go all-electric and embrace BEVs. Finally, it has been speeding up the process with huge investments in manufacturing EVs, as well as developing battery technology. It recently partnered with Idemitsu to develop its in-house solid-state battery. However, it will equip its electric cars with that battery by 2027. That is a long time in the future. Until then, let us keep an eye out for the latest development in Toyota’s transition toward EVs.