Toyota on Monday teased a plug-in hybrid model of its C-HR subcompact crossover and confirmed extra all-electric bZ fashions for Europe.
The Toyota C-HR Prologue Idea proven Monday previews a next-generation mannequin scheduled to debut within the close to future. Toyota stated in a press launch that this new mannequin is engineered to assist a plug-in hybrid powertrain, along with the hybrid powertrain already accessible on the present mannequin in some markets.
The idea is a product of Toyota’s European design studio situated within the south of France, which additionally designed the present C-HR. Batteries for the manufacturing C-HR plug-in hybrid will originate in Europe as properly, for fashions offered in that market, a minimum of. Toyota hasn’t stated whether or not the C-HR plug-in hybrid will probably be offered within the U.S.
Toyota C-HR Prologue idea
Toyota additionally introduced plans for 5 extra European-market bZ EVs alongside the present bZ4X, bringing the whole to 6, which feeds right into a objective of constructing the automaker’s European operations carbon impartial by 2040.
The brand new fashions for Europe might embrace a manufacturing model of the bZ Compact SUV Concept that debuted on the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Present. The bZ3 sedan relies on the identical e-TNGA platform, however its battery and propulsion tech, that are sourced from China’s BYD, means it could seemingly come to Europe in one other kind. The slew of concepts Toyota unveiled in December 2021 might provide different hints.
Toyota C-HR Prologue idea
With growth of EVs recently reportedly paused, Toyota seems to have opted to largely proceed its all-of-the-above method—Europe included.
“Owing to the present brief provide and excessive prices of battery supplies and lack of infrastructure,” Gill Pratt, head of the Toyota Analysis Institute, stated in a press release, “it’s higher to make use of a mix of battery electrical, plug-in hybrid electrical and hybrid electrical autos to cut back CO2 emissions over the subsequent 10-15 years.”
Whereas the C-HR plug-in hybrid hasn’t been confirmed for the U.S., we all know Toyota goals to take an identical method right here. It is hinted that extra plug-in hybrids are coming to the U.S. market—with a PHEV version of the Crown anticipated quickly.
