Toyota has unveiled three new electric vehicle (EV) models as part of its broader push to strengthen its presence in the European market. The updated lineup includes a refreshed version of the bZ4X SUV, the all-electric C-HR+ SUV coupé, and the Urban Cruiser, a compact electric SUV developed in collaboration with Suzuki and produced in India.
These additions reflect Toyota’s strategy to accelerate its transition toward battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations in the UK and the European Union.
bZ4X: Upgraded Performance and Range
The bZ4X, Toyota’s first dedicated battery-electric SUV introduced in 2022, has undergone significant enhancements. The latest version of the vehicle will offer two battery options to cater to different driving needs. The base model comes equipped with a 57.7 kWh battery paired with a 123 kW front-wheel drive system. Meanwhile, a larger 73.1 kWh battery variant will be available in both front-wheel (165 kW) and all-wheel drive (252 kW) configurations.
Toyota expects the WLTP-certified range to improve from the previous 450 km to up to 573 km in optimal conditions, though these figures are subject to final confirmation. Charging capabilities remain consistent with a maximum DC fast-charging power of 150 kW, but the company has refined battery preconditioning technology to enhance charging efficiency in different temperatures. These updates ensure the bZ4X remains competitive in the growing European EV market.
C-HR+: A Sportier All-Electric SUV Coupé
Toyota has also expanded its electric offerings with the introduction of the C-HR+, an all-electric version of the popular C-HR model. Positioned as a sporty SUV coupé, the C-HR+ is expected to enter the market by the end of 2025. The vehicle will share key powertrain components with the bZ4X, offering two battery options: 57.7 kWh and 77 kWh, delivering power outputs ranging from 123 kW to 252 kW depending on the variant.
Toyota aims for a WLTP driving range of up to 600 km for the higher-capacity battery, though final figures are pending official certification. The C-HR+ will come standard with an 11 kW AC onboard charger, with an optional 22 kW upgrade available on higher trim levels. This model is expected to attract urban drivers seeking a blend of style, performance, and zero-emission capabilities.
Urban Cruiser: Affordable Entry into the EV Market
The Urban Cruiser represents Toyota’s move into the B-segment electric SUV category, an increasingly competitive space in Europe. Developed in collaboration with Suzuki and manufactured in India, the Urban Cruiser aims to offer an affordable yet practical EV option.
The model will come with two battery choices: a 49 kWh battery powering a 106 kW front-wheel drive system with an estimated range of around 300 km, and a 61 kWh variant available in both front-wheel (128 kW) and all-wheel drive (135 kW) configurations. The latter is expected to provide a range of approximately 400 km in front-wheel drive and 350 km in all-wheel drive mode.
One notable feature of the Urban Cruiser is the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, which are known for their cost-effectiveness, safety, and longevity. Toyota’s decision to use LFP technology aligns with efforts to offer a more budget-friendly EV without compromising durability and performance.
Toyota’s EV Expansion Strategy
These new models are part of Toyota’s broader plan to introduce nine fully electric vehicles in Europe by 2026 under both the Toyota and Lexus brands. The company, which has traditionally focused on hybrid technology, is now ramping up its commitment to battery-electric vehicles in response to evolving market demands and tightening emissions regulations.
Toyota’s European EV roadmap includes investments in new battery technologies, including solid-state batteries, which the company expects to introduce in production models by the late 2020s.