After teasing a slew of electric vehicle (EV) concepts back in 2021, Toyota’s EV rollout has been largely limited to Chinese-exclusive models apart from the Urban Cruiser.
That’s set to change with the reveal of what appears to be a production version of the European-designed Toyota bZ Compact SUV concept that was first revealed in 2022.
Toyota Europe has confirmed the as-yet unnamed production vehicle will be revealed on March 12, 2025.
Given it’s the European division that has teased it, it appears more likely the production version will be offered in various global markets including Australia.
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That’s in contrast with the bZ3, developed by the Chinese FAW Toyota joint venture, which has remained exclusive to that market; likewise, the FAW Toyota-developed bZ3C and GAC Toyota-developed bZ3X have yet to be confirmed for global sale.
Like the bZ3C, the teased production vehicle has a rakish, coupe-like roofline but appears to have a more SUV-like ride height.
However, like the bZ Compact SUV concept, the production vehicle appears shorter than that Chinese model.
The concept appeared largely production-ready, apart from the interior with its austere interior and unusual curved screens.
It remains to be seen what the production version will be called, but Toyota is moving away from its confusing bZ names.
The small electric SUV revealed by the brand last year, for example, dusts off the Urban Cruiser nameplate previously used on combustion-powered vehicles.
Toyota could resurrect other familiar nameplates, avoiding the “inflation of nameplates” to make it easier for customers.
The new production SUV could slot in between the Urban Cruiser and bZ4X, serving as an electric counterpart to the hybrid C-HR.
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bZ Compact SUV concept
Toyota Australia previously promised in 2023 to have three EVs on sale here by 2026, confirming it was “examining closely” a production version of the bZ Compact SUV concept.
Meanwhile, at the time Toyota Europe committed to launch six bZ-branded vehicles by 2026.
Also by 2026, Toyota says it will release 10 new EVs and reach 1.2 million annual EV sales globally, on the way to launching 30 Toyota and Lexus EVs by 2030. By the same year, it plans to sell 3.5 million EVs annually.
