Toyota electric models revealed in patent filing
Two new electric vehicles from Toyota have surfaced overnight after patent sketches were filed in China.
Based on the e-TNGA platform, the sketches from Toyota show what appears to be a large SUV – possibly a seven seat model – and a smaller SUV with a sloped back. The fronts of both vehicles share similar design language to Lexus models.
The e-TNGA architecture is a co-developed platform with Subaru, but it's likely these two new models shown will use battery technology from a Toyota and BYD joint venture.
In a speech from June 2019, Toyota's powertrain chief Shigeki Terashi announced that Toyota would be releasing up-to ten models based on the platform in the early part of this decade.
The two vehicles shown in these patent sketches share a striking similarity between concept drawings shown by Toyota in 2019, suggesting that they are nearing production.
The e-TNGA program was reported on as early as 2015, but the partnership between Toyota and BYD – a Chinese battery and electric vehicle manufacturer – was only signed in late 2019.
Technical details of the fully-electric Toyota models are not known, but they could use the same 110kWh battery pack of the Lexus LF-30 concept car, providing 400kW/700Nm and 500km of range.
The Lexus LF-30 concept is based on e-TNGA architecture, and was reportedly capable of 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Toyota's electric vehicle models are expected to be released in 2022, but it's likely there won't be a local release until 2025. No dates have officially been announced at this stage.
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