Toyota FT3E SUV & FTSE coupe: Electric concepts revealed

Toyota has unveiled two EV concepts at the Japan Mobility Show 2023: the FT-3e electric SUV and the FT-Se electric performance coupe.

The theme for Toyota's booth at the event is "Let's Change the Future of Cars—Find Your Future", hinting at the company's long overdue move towards electrification and digital integration in vehicle design.

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The brand has previously shied away from expressing the same obsessive commitment to EVs revealed by just about all of its rivals, urging consumers and media to consider the many buyers and industries who won't be able to leave into EVs as quickly as city-centric and inner suburban families.

As true as that is, Toyota has so far launched only one production EV – the BZ4x – and it hasn't been the most well-received one at that (although my own short first drive at a Toyota Australia facility left me impressed).

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These new concepts, then, are intended to show Toyota's new verve for EVs.

The FT-3e model is positioned as an SUV-type concept, while the FT-Se falls into the sports category Toyota has come to appreciate as it once did.

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FT-3e: 'Aiming for Simplicity'

The FT-3e SUV is designed with a simplistic but suitably futuristic exterior for a concept.

Tricks include digital displays on the bodywork showing battery charge, onboard temperature, and interior air quality as the driver approaches the vehicle. No need to look at your phone.

The concept is also noted to have the potential to act as a transfer medium for energy and data, linking the vehicle to its surroundings as part of a vehicle-to-grid strategy.

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FT-Se: 'Performance with an Eco-conscious Design'

The FT-Se is a sports BEV model that shares major components with the FT-3e.

This concept reveals features from Toyota's motorsports division, Gazoo Racing, to provide enhanced handling stability and aerodynamic performance.

The design includes wide and low proportions to suit the category, delivering both an purposeful look and optimal aerodynamics – especially important for an EV.

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Additionally, the concept is equipped with a full-digital cockpit for controls and a low instrument panel profile to ensure high visibility.

With these concept models, Toyota is clearly paving the way for its future line-up of electric vehicles, although no production plans for either car – or its earlier electric LandCruiser and ute concepts – have been revealed today.

Get more on Toyota's electric future at the stories linked below.

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