Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu Unite for Mini Electric Van Project
Japanese automakers Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu are collaborating on a new project: the development and production of mini battery-electric vans. The companies aim to launch the vehicles in fiscal year 2025. The initiative combines the expertise of each company, bringing together their respective strengths in vehicle manufacturing, technology, and design.
The three companies originally planned to unveil the prototypes at an event associated with the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. However, the project faced delays, particularly due to issues at Daihatsu. Now, the target launch is set for fiscal year 2025.
Model Lineup
It’s expected that the new mini electric vans will include the Daihatsu Hijet Cargo, the Suzuki Every, and the Toyota Pixis Van models. These models tap into the successes of each respective brand, and the combined effort is set to offer a compelling new product in the light commercial vehicle space.
Collaboration and Technical Details
The partnership brings together Suzuki and Daihatsu’s experience in small car manufacturing, or kei cars, with Toyota’s advanced electrification technology to create a suitable electric drive system. Daihatsu is slated to be the primary manufacturer of the vehicles.
Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) is involved in the planning. Their contributions are focused on achieving optimal specifications for efficient last-mile logistics. The vans are expected to have a range of roughly 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. The goal is to create vehicles that meet the needs of delivery customers, contributing to carbon neutrality goals.
This project represents a significant collaborative effort in the electric vehicle market, combining the unique automotive strengths of three major Japanese manufacturers with the aim of providing a functional and environmentally-friendly transport solution.
