Toyota Unveils New Electric Models
Toyota recently showcased three new electric models at an event in the UK, hinting at the brand’s continued push into the EV market. Among the models teased, one stood out as a potential electric pickup truck.
At the press event, Toyota highlighted its strategy to compete in the key B, C, and D-SUV segments of the European automotive market by the end of 2025. These new vehicles will feature Toyota’s core BEV DNA, offering SUV characteristics, contemporary design, efficient performance, and all-wheel-drive capabilities.
In a graphic, Toyota displayed shadowy silhouettes of upcoming electric vehicles, with a pickup truck prominently featured. This has led to speculation about an electric version of the Hilux, Toyota’s midsize truck sold globally.
While the United States has its own midsize truck, the Tacoma, it’s possible the electric Hilux and Tacoma could share underpinnings to cut costs, according to Car and Driver.
Toyota showed the EPU concept in 2023, but its compact design doesn’t match the new teaser. Toyota has claimed that the EPU concept “is a next generation midsize pickup truck concept, with a monocoque body delivering high durability to create a practical yet stylish BEV”.
The other two vehicles hinted at in the shadowy graphic potentially include the Toyota Land Cruiser Se and a production version of the bZ Large SUV concept.
Longbow Debuts Two Electric Sports Cars
Also originating from the UK is news from Longbow, a new electric car startup, set to begin production of two battery-electric sports cars: the Speedster and the Roadster.
The company’s name is seen as a subtle nod to Tesla, which revealed a second-generation Roadster in 2017, but has been quiet on the subject since.
Longbow aims to revive the British tradition of lightweight sports cars, as exemplified by vehicles like the Caterham Seven and the Ariel Atom. The founders draw inspiration from Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus, who famously stated, “Horsepower makes you faster on the straights. Lightness makes you faster everywhere.”
The company’s personnel includes industry veterans with experience at Lucid, BYD, Tesla, Formula E, Lotus, Aston Martin, and Ariel. The company itself is based in the Midlands area of Britain, the location of many Formula One and E teams.
Longbow states that the major components, such as the batteries, motors, and brakes, will be sourced from other providers and integrated through a unique software platform. The focus is on utilizing a lightweight aluminum chassis combined with composite panels to ensure optimal performance.
Both models will be two-seaters and have a single 321 horsepower (240 kW) electric motor driving the rear wheels, with potential dual-motor variants in the future. The Speedster will weigh just 1973 pounds, accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and have a range of 275 miles (WLTP).
The limited production of 150 Speedsters will sell for around $110,000 (£85,760). The Roadster will weigh 2194 pounds and reach 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and will launch with a starting price of $84,000 (£65,000). The exact range for the Roadster has not been revealed, and production will not be limited.
Longbow is currently taking reservations for both models, to be designed and engineered in the UK, with hand assembly. Prototypes are expected to be ready this summer, with production beginning in 2026. The company also claims to have “good relationships with all the major Chinese semi-state-owned businesses and suppliers.”
