Toyota, Suzuki Co-Developing Compact EV, Launch in 2025

Toyota is teaming up with Suzuki to create a new compact electric vehicle (EV), expected to hit the global markets in 2025, Best Car Web has reported. This crossover, codenamed ‘bZ’ (Beyond Zero), will serve as a smaller sibling to the Toyota bZ4X, which is already available in international markets.

Key Specs

- Platform: The bZ will be built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, ensuring a robust foundation for performance and efficiency. Notably, the Japanese automaker is also working on a new SUV that will share its platform with the bZ and will be positioned below the Fortuner in the lineup.

- Range: It is anticipated that the bZ will offer an impressive range of over 300 kilometres on a full charge, making it suitable for urban commuting.

- Power Output: Equipped with a front-wheel drive (FWD) motor delivering approximately 118bhp and 294Nm, this EV promises to be an ideal choice for city driving.

- Dimensions: Expected specifications include an overall length of 3700mm, width of 1700mm and height of 1530mm, with a wheelbase of 2450mm.

Shared Vision

Toyota and Suzuki’s partnership aims to leverage their strengths in developing compact vehicles. Both companies have previously collaborated on vehicle rebadging and technology sharing, resulting in successful models available in markets such as India and Europe.

The bZ is part of a larger effort by Toyota to strengthen its EV lineup. Following a battery EV strategy briefing in December 2021, the company has been focused on expanding its electric offerings. With the bZ serving as Toyota's most budget-friendly EV to date, it is expected to attract a wider range of customers, especially in markets that are increasingly leaning toward electric mobility.

Launch Details, Rivals

While the exact specifications of the upcoming bZ remain to be fully disclosed, it is poised to be a significant addition to Toyota’s EV portfolio. Here, direct rivals will include the Tata Punch EV and the upcoming Hyundai Inster. The 2025 release will coincide with the launch of the production version of the Suzuki eVX, which, while likely larger, will also target the growing EV market.

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