A few days ago, Toyota confirmed that it does not plan to produce any electric models in Europe based on the modular e-TNGA platform, on which the new bZ4X sits. This modern architecture, developed specifically for 100% electric models, will be the cornerstone of the Japanese brand’s bZ ( beyond Zero ) electric range.
At the moment it is not clear why this movement is due, although everything seems to indicate that, since the company’s European plants are currently adapted to the TNGA-B (Czech Republic, France) and TNGA-C (United Kingdom, Turkey), Toyota is not worth adapting the facilities to the new e-TNGA.
Instead, the Japanese firm has announced the development of the E3 platform, a kind of electrified version of the TNGA-C thanks to the adoption of some e-TNGA modules. This new multi-energy platform will arrive at factories in the United Kingdom and Turkey in the middle of the decade and will serve as the basis for the development of hybrid, plug-in hybrids, and electric models.
What does this translate to? In which Toyota’s dedicated electrics will be imported from other markets (for example, the bZ4X will come from Japan), while the thermal models produced by the brand in Europe will receive electric versions. This mixed strategy and have seen rivals like Kia, which sells electric vehicles dedicated (EV6) and derivatives (e-Niro).
The Toyota Corolla could also receive an electric version
Toyota currently manufactures the Corolla and Corolla Touring Sports in the UK, while the Corolla Sedan and C-HR are produced in Turkey. The next generation of the Corolla is expected to dispense with the Touring Sports wagon version, although we should not rule out that the Corolla Cross, an SUV that will begin importing to Europe in 2022, will end up taking its place at the British plant.
In any case, it seems clear that the next Corolla and C-HR will be available as hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric. Given that the SUV was launched on the market before the compact ( its new generation is scheduled for late 2023 / early 2024 ), it is expected that it will be in charge of launching the E3 platform.
The current C-HR already has an electric version in China, although the new generation will use a better-optimized architecture to house this type of mechanical organ. Although at the time of its arrival on the market it will only be sold as a hybrid, it is expected that the electric version will only be made to ask for one year (it will arrive in 2025).
