The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV is a conceptual model through which we are shown Toyota’s vision of a compact Land Cruiser and, what is more relevant, with 100% electric mechanics. This conceptual model has received an important award and the company has taken advantage of the moment to show new details of this electric.
Is there room in the Toyota range for a 100% electric Land Cruiser? The truth is that it is not the first time that there has been speculation about an electrified future for the iconic Japanese SUV. The global automotive industry is accelerating its transition process to sustainable mobility, and 4×4 vehicles are no strangers to all these changes that are taking place at great speed.
At the end of last year, Toyota presented an ambitious roadmap to society. A strategic plan that included the launch of 30 electric cars by 2030. In the press conference led by Akio Toyoda himself, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, the main keys were given on how the electrification process will be at the highest level of the Toyota and Lexus brands. An electrification process in which the bZ (beyond Zero) sub-brand will also be the protagonist.
Toyota does not rule out the development of an electric Land Cruiser
In this very important event, in addition to carrying out crucial announcements for the immediate future of Toyota, a large fleet of concept models was also shown to the world. Some concept cars that, for the most part, lay the foundations for production electric vehicles that will hit the market over the coming years. The Toyota Compact Cruiser EV was one of the concept models unveiled.
At that time Toyota hardly gave details about the Compact Cruiser EV Concept. However, his debut and name was quite a declaration of intent. Toyota opens the door to a compact and 100% electric Land Cruiser. A model that, although it has not been openly confirmed, is once again in the news since the concept car has received an important award.
The Toyota’s electric SUV has won the 2022 Car Design Award for concept vehicles. A title that was delivered within the framework of the Milan Design Week (Italy). The winners of the different categories of the Car Design Awards are selected by an international jury of 11 journalists specialized in the world of motoring.
Toyota Compact Cruiser EV, a design with a French flavor
The Compact Cruiser EV has been created by the Toyota ED2 design team in Nice, France. Simon Humphries, Senior General Director of Design at Toyota, pointed out that the Compact Cruiser EV is a clear example of the current trend that is being experienced in terms of massification of the electric vehicle: “After an initial phase of contact with electric vehicles, people will want zero-emission cars that speak to them and express their lifestyle. And the Compact Cruiser EV is a perfect example of that trend.”
Toyota has also stressed that the foundation of the solid off-road heritage has been decisive in the construction of the Compact Cruiser EV. It is described as a vehicle “designed to enhance the lifestyles of young and professional urban dwellers who enjoy outdoor leisure activities with a four-wheel drive electric vehicle to go anywhere».
The exterior looks robust and resistant. Additionally, it borrows several styling cues from the legendary first-generation Land Cruiser, including an off-road silhouette and simple yet strong body sections. We will have to keep waiting to find out if the Compact Cruiser EV finally receives the green light to be produced in series. But at the moment the reviews that Toyota is receiving are very good.
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