Toyota at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show: Next-gen electric cars previewed

In the wake of Akio Toyoda's promotion from the Toyota hot seat, Koji Sato has made his presence known at this year's Japan Mobility Show with a host of new BEV concepts.

Toyota will drastically ramp up its EV production and market offerings globally over the next decade but remains committed to diverse powertrain solutions.

Locally, Toyota will introduce three battery-electric vehicles by 2026, and offer every model in its range with some form of electrification (GR models excluded) by 2030.

Translation? EVs are coming but diesel-powered HiLuxes and LandCruisers will be around for some time yet, as will RAV4 hybrids.

Read on below to find out everything we know about what was on the stand.

• Toyota FT-Se sports car concept
• Electric Toyota LandCruiser Se
• Toyota FT-3e next-gen electric SUV
• Toyota EPU monocoque ute
• Toyota IMV 0 adaptable utility vehicle

Toyota FT-Se

29

Click image to reveal the full gallery

This is Toyota's sports car for the electric era. Not anchored visually to Supra or MR2, it has distinct, almost Lotus-like proportions.

Toyota wasn't forthcoming with specifications such as driving range, power or drive layout for the new vehicle, though President Koji Sato was spruiking the advantages a BEV layout provided for the GR-developed sports coupe's centre of gravity.

Within the cabin, Toyota is promising more space than your average – often cramped – mid-engined sports car. A yoke-style steering sits below a digital driver's display which is flanked by two screens.

There's no word on when we might see a production version of this car, but it gives hope to driving enthusiasts in the electric era.

Toyota LandCruiser Se

29

Click image to reveal the full gallery

Toyota's literature describes the concept as one that "further broadens the LandCruiser brand's appeal with a three-row SUV that caters to the world's diverse needs."

It's very much still a concept but, as Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and frachise operations Sean Hanley pointed out, companies don't usually go to the trouble of making a concept if it isn't going to turn into a some kind of production model.

The LandCruiser Se is far sleeker than the Prado that's nearby on the stand, with the Se's front window raked back and plenty of tumble-home giving it a squat, sporty stance.

This all-electric concept points to Toyota potentially evaluating a luxury, road-biased four-wheel drive in the LandCruiser saga.

Toyota FT-3e

29

Click image to reveal the full gallery

A next-gen BZ4x? The FT-3e is a medium SUV that's based on a new modular architecture allegedly sharing many parts with the FT-Se sports car.

Its coupe styling may be softened into an eventual production version, but Toyota is promising a big leap for cabin technology.

Shared with Lexus LF-ZC concept, the new 'Arene' operating system is connected with over-the-air software updates and downloadable apps.

"Owners can play with the automotive seasoning in manual transmission mode, after parking you can share electricity in energy grid mode to help the public", said president Kato. Toyota refers to its future EVs as software-defined vehicles.

Battery type, power, and driving range were not discussed, though expect it to pick up Toyota's future high-performance batteries.

Toyota EPU ute

29

Click image to reveal the full gallery

Slightly smaller than a HiLux overall, the all-electric EPU shows an adaptable monocoque ute for the future.

With a dual-cab body for space and a long wheelbase for comfort, this is a ute pitched at lifestyle buyers who might not need a HiLux's worksite readiness.

Think of it as a rival for the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, though Toyota has not confirmed the ute for production.

Although Sean Hanley wasn't entirely sure of the size of a monocoque electric ute market in Australia, he admitted that Toyota Australia's hand would be firmly raised for the vehicle if it comes to fruition.

Toyota IMV 0

29

Described as an adaptable utility vehicle for emerging markets, the IMV 0 is not dissimilar to a HiLux or 70 Series in theory, though it is smaller in size.

The small ladder-frame utility vehicle is nearly ready for production, though for now, it's not likely to arrive in Australia.

Think of a diverse spread of powertrains with petrol, diesel, and electrification in the form of hybrid vehicles. Toyota says it's so modular that it can be a coffee cart in the morning and a DJ booth at night.