Toyota shared its latest EV prototypes ahead of this week's 2023 Japan Mobility Show, and it's quite the spread.
The list includes an e-bike, motorized scooter, rugged 4-wheeler for driving on the moon, and a sporty, U-shaped steering wheel. But most importantly, it features two electric cars: a pickup truck and an electric version of the Land Cruiser.
Toyota has not announced any new EVs since reorganizing its business around them in February, though it did sign a manufacturing deal for mass production of solid-state batteries with over 900-mile range.
These concept cars could hint at what vehicles those batteries might power, though Toyota only provided specs for the vehicles' size. We expect more details to come this week at the show, as well as updates from Toyota's competitors such as Honda, Mazda, and Subaru. Nissan unveiled a futuristic concept car of its own last week.
The Japan Mobility Show is an opportunity for these brands to prove their EV chops. None currently offer more than one electric car in their lineups, including Toyota and Lexus, each of which have negligible sales volume in the US, CleanTechnica reports. It could be a byproduct of sluggish EV adoption in Japan overall, where electrics make up just 2% of new car sales compared to 20% in China and Europe, Nikkei Asia reports. The US is currently at 7%.
Land Cruiser Se
Electric Land Cruiser concept (Credit: Toyota)This 3-row electric SUV concept seats seven passengers. It's roughly the same size as the 2024 Land Cruiser hybrid, though a few inches longer and thinner. Toyota mentions its performance-focused features, such as "high-torque driving," "responsive handling," and "confidence in tackling rough terrain." It could eventually compete with other 3-row electric SUVs set to launch in the US, such as the 2024 Kia EV9.
EPU: Electric Pickup
Toyota EPU concept (Credit: Toyota)This EPU, which presumably means electric pickup (Toyota did not specify), features a smaller profile than the hulking F-150 Lightning that could appeal to urban drivers and those with minimal towing needs.
“At just over 5 meters long with a double cab design, the EPU's monocoque structure also allows for a versatile deck space that caters to a broader range of user applications," says Toyota.
Although Toyota did not list the range, zooming in on the dash photo reveals it. The screen reads 320 miles at around 75% full charge. That would put it at over 400 miles at 100%. Only Rivian has been able to achieve a pickup truck with over 400 miles of range, available with a pricey $16,000 upgrade. Others hope to follow; Ram is shooting for a 500-mile range on its 2025 Rev pickup.
(Credit: Toyota/Emily Dreibelbis)Land Hopper Foldable e-Bike
(Credit: Toyota)This three-wheeled e-bike folds up into a compact package for "easy storage even with limited trunk space," Toyota says. It sits low to the ground with a relatively compact size overall making it easier to get on and off. "When combined with a car, the Land Hopper expands the pleasures of travel, including touring around destinations," Toyota says.
JUU Wheelchair
(Credit: Toyota)"The JUU expands the user's world by enabling them to freely navigate places that are difficult to access by electric or regular wheelchairs," Toyota says. Built with "motors used in cars," the JUU can go up and down stairs thanks to a "retractable tail" that flips down to stabilize it. Toyota is also working on autonomous driving and the ability to load itself into a car after the user has boarded the vehicle.
Space Mobility Prototype
(Credt: Toyota)That helmeted driver in the picture may or may not be training for an upcoming stint in space. Toyota calls this an "experimental vehicle...aimed at creating mobility for use on the moon and in outer space." It fits two passengers. Each wheel has its own motor, making it more suitable to rugged terrain and when navigating "unforgiving extraterrestrial environments." It can take on boulders up to 20 inches tall, and steep 25-degree slopes. “The technology honed through this prototype will be used in space mobility vehicles such as the Lunar Cruiser," Toyota says.
NEO Steer
(Credit: Toyota)Toyota designed this sporty wheel based on motorcycles, with a hand-operated brake and throttle. "The NEO Steer will help foster greater love for cars, and deliver the joy and excitement of mobility for all," Toyota says. "It also offers safe, intuitive hand-operated driving for users with lower limb impairments."
