Toyota expands its range of electric models for Europe to three

Toyota has long been reluctant to sell electric models in the European market, with the bZ4X being the exception, but things seem to be starting to change. The Japanese manufacturer has just announced the launch of three new electric models in Europe, which include an updated bZ4X, the C-HR+ – an electric SUV Coupé that shares its platform with the bZ4X – and, finally, the Urban Cruiser – an affordable electric SUV manufactured in India.

Following its arrival on the market in 2022, the bZ4X is set to be updated in the second half of the year, offering two battery packs: one with a 57.7 kWh capacity, exclusive to the most affordable version with front-wheel drive, and another with 73.1 kWh, which will be fitted to versions with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Toyota thus promises to improve the range of this electric SUV, potentially offering up to 573 km under the WLTP homologation cycle. Although this figure is, for the moment, only an estimate and not official. The engineers at the Japanese company have also implemented improvements to the bZ4X’s powertrains, using silicon carbide semiconductors in this update, which increase both efficiency and the power delivered. This has made it possible, for example, for the combined output in the all-wheel-drive version to rise to 252 kW.

On the other hand, as far as the supported charging power is concerned, it remains at 150 kW for DC charging, while the higher versions now include an onboard 22 kW charger for AC charging.

Toyota CH-R+

Focusing now on the second electric model from the Japanese manufacturer, the C-HR+, this SUV Coupé will be available at the end of this same year and stands out for its aerodynamic design and for being equipped with the largest battery pack we have seen so far in Europe in a model from the Japanese brand. The 77 kWh capacity of this battery pack allows Toyota to promise an estimated range of close to 600 km, placing this model among the most long-distance-oriented in its segment. The available power is also no slouch, with versions featuring one or two motors delivering between 123 and 252 kW.

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Finally, the Urban Cruiser, a vehicle developed in collaboration with Suzuki, is a more affordable model positioned in the B segment of the market. Manufactured in India, this electric SUV is available with 49 or 61 kWh battery packs, which allow it to cover up to 400 km on a single charge. Meanwhile, the power delivered reaches 135 kW in its version with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. It is also worth noting that, since this is a more affordable model where reducing costs is important, the battery packs incorporate LFP cells.