Toyota released its first mass-market electric-vehicle (EV) model, the 2023 bZ4X, earlier this year, but it quickly went about teasing dozens of other new all-electric models coming soon. At the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, the automaker revealed the bZ (Beyond Zero) Compact SUV Concept, which it says shows how it will approach the complete shift to EVs and beyond.
Keep in mind that this is just a concept, so any production model based on it could differ significantly in appearance. That said, Toyota developed the bZ from the ground up as an EV and notes that it will be a fun-to-drive vehicle with "exhilarating performance." The exterior took shape in the wind tunnel, and Toyota says it pushed the SUV's wheels far to the corners for an aggressive look.
Inside, the automaker showed off a striking curved display. Mounted atop the center stack, the display takes the place of all physical controls. Toyota didn't detail any of the bZ's new tech functions, but the display features a row of touch buttons at the bottom with visible climate, music, and vehicle settings. The bZ features an in-car personal assistant named "Yui," which can respond to commands from the front or rear passengers, and the vehicle uses interior lighting elements as visual cues.
Toyota announced the bZ under the banner of its Beyond Zero philosophy. The automaker says it wants a future with a mix of zero-emissions and alternative-fuel powertrain options. Various company executives have spoken at length about the automaker's desire to explore zero-emissions propulsion technologies that include hydrogen and other options.
Toyota is one of two automakers selling hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (the other being Honda), and it has been cautious with its EV development, trailing most of the market by a year or more. Ultimately, it plans to develop 30 new EV models, including five under the bZ umbrella. Toyota says that by 2050 it will reach carbon neutrality with a "diverse portfolio of electrified products."
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of November 18, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
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