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The Japanese way of admitting a mistake is not put into words: Toyota continues to communicate its multi-drive strategy with hybrid and fuel cell cars to the outside world, but acts differently. At the annual Kenshiki Forum (translated: insight) in Brussels, the focus is on electric cars. In addition to new launches, the existing – specifically the Toyota bZ4X – will be further developed with the consistency that can be expected. After all, Toyota is the global market leader and its market share is also growing in Europe.
World premiere of the Toyota C-HR+
With a length of 4.52 meters, the new Toyota C-HR+ electric car lies between the Urban Cruiser (4.29 meters) and the bZ4X (4.69 meters). It shares its name with the C-HR (for Coupe High Rider), which is offered with a power-split hybrid and as a plug-in hybrid, i.e. always has a combustion engine. The designation is similar, the rear slopes downwards like a coupe. Other similarities between the Toyota C-HR (driving report) and the electric C-HR+ are rather coincidental. They are two different cars. Toyota does not provide details on width and height. The wheelbase is 2.75 meters, and the trunk holds “at least 416 liters” according to the manufacturer.
Buyers have a choice of two battery sizes, whereby the figures are gross values throughout. Toyota does not say how much energy can actually be drawn from the battery. The difference is generally high for Toyota compared to other manufacturers because this increases durability – and this is a core competence of the brand. In the basic version with front-wheel drive and 123 kW engine output, 57.7 kWh are available. In addition, there are two versions with 77 kWh: one with front-wheel drive and 165 kW engine power and one with all-wheel drive and 252 kW engine power. This top version should accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The figures are still provisional, as is the range, which is said to be up to 600 km. A figure that probably refers to the version with front-wheel drive and a large battery.
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Toyota has been criticized for the lack of love with which electric cars have been brought onto the road so far. For example, the Lexus UX 300e came with the practically unsaleable Chademo plug instead of the European standard CCS (Combined Charging System) for fast DC charging. Toyota has since abandoned Chademo. In addition, the UX 300e could only charge in single phase on the AC side (i.e. alternating current, for example at the wallbox).
Apparently, Toyota is now reacting clearly
The C-HR+ charges with eleven kW (three-phase) as standard and with 22 kW in the highest equipment line. The DC output of up to 150 kW may not be impressive, but there are still advances for everyday use: the traction battery can be preconditioned manually or automatically as part of the dynamic route planner, and a heat pump comes as standard. The seats, steering wheel and windshield can be heated. Toyota has not yet announced prices; deliveries will begin in early 2026.
Toyota bZ4X model upgrade
In Norway, the bZ4X was the best-selling car in February, although the SUV has a very mediocre performance in cold weather. This will change with the second extensive facelift of the bZ4X, which has been on sale since 2022 and will be delivered in this form from the fourth quarter of 2025. Review: Initially, the Toyota bZ4X was only capable of single-phase charging on the AC side and had multiple limitations on DC charging. For example, the charging power was radically reduced from 80 percent battery level. After the first revision, AC charging became three-phase (eleven kW) and the worst DC shortcomings were eliminated. After summer 2025, the Toyota bZ4X will be able to charge at 22 kW AC in certain trim levels. In addition, as with the C-HR+, manual or automatic preconditioning is standard; the bZ4X has a heat pump anyway. The maximum DC output remains limited to 150 kW.
The portfolio of drives is being expanded. As with the C-HR+, there is a new basic version with 57.7 kWh energy content and 123 kW engine output. For the larger traction battery, now with 73.1 kWh (previously 71.4), there is a choice of a front-wheel drive version with 165 kW and an all-wheel drive version with 252 kW. The design has undergone a classic facelift. The lines of the bumpers, for example, have more edges than before, while the center console has been redesigned inside. The central display on all bZ4X models is now 14 inches in size.
Rollout Urban Cruiser
The most important electric car for Toyota this year is undoubtedly the Urban Cruiser. At 2.70 m, it has a 14 cm longer wheelbase than the successful Yaris Cross and sees itself as an electric interpretation. One difference is the longitudinally adjustable rear bench seat in the Urban Cruiser, which can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio. It competes with the VW ID.3, Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30, for example. Deliveries will begin in the third quarter. The Urban Cruiser is produced in India and is largely identical in design to the Suzuki e-Vitara. There are two battery sizes with 49 and 61 kWh gross energy content and 106 and 128 kW motor output. The Urban Cruiser has ranges of around 300 and 400 km as a front-wheel drive vehicle (type approval is still pending) and around 350 km with all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive model is linked to the large battery, the engine output is 135 kW.
Only robust and inexpensive LFP cells (for lithium iron phosphate) are used. Subject to an annual inspection at Toyota, the traction battery is guaranteed for up to 70 percent of its original energy content for ten years or one million kilometers. The LFP cell chemistry is sensitive to cold temperatures. Consequently, all Urban Cruisers have a heat pump and manual preconditioning as standard. Toyota makes no statement about the route planner and automatic preconditioning.
Conclusion: Toyota is also going battery electric
Even though Toyota is officially sticking to its multi-drive strategy with hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars, its actions clearly show that Toyota is also going battery electric. After a slow start, the Japanese are proving through their actions that they are taking their customers seriously: Standard heat pumps, preconditioning and optional 22 kW AC chargers may not be the cutting edge of the movement, but they are a good basis for continuing the reputation of solidity and reliability.
(olb)
