X-Prologue – Toyota’s impending EV teased

Image released internationally today gives a first look at a model that is likely coming to New Zealand.

TOYOTA has released this teaser image of the X Prologue, which is expected to showcase the design language for its upcoming electric vehicle family. 

The introductory model, which will be fully unveiled next week, is expected to present as a sports utility, similar in size to the RAV4 – but with a longer wheelbase together with shorter overhangs.

 It is built on the e-TNGA platform that was co-developed in partnership with Subaru. Toyota has previously indicated this kind of vehicle was on the way and Toyota New Zealand has also indicated willingness to take it.

The e-TNGA architecture is a big deal.

Toyota is planning on using this platform to spawn six electric vehicles, presenting in a diversity of body styles.  These are speculated to be called BZ models. This references ‘Beyond Zero’, the title of Toyota’s public push towards zero-emissions motoring.

The platform is massively flexible. It can be lengthened or shortened, accommodate single or twin motor powertrains and host a range of drivetrain layouts and battery capacities.

Subaru will also have at least one car built off this underpinning; their one is also a SUV and is rumoured to already have a name: Evoltis. And, yes, Subaru NZ is keen to have it.

The teaser image that partially reveals the car’s front end suggests it will have a two-layer style bonnet with the Toyota logo in the middle on a black background. To the sides of the front fascia, there are C-shaped LED headlights that appear to be joined together by a thin light strip positioned between the bonnet and bumper. A closed-off grille conforms with EV design direction.

 When Toyota first talked about e-TNGA, it released another image showing a stylised silhouette of a SUV and another revealing something of the platform layout (above).

The car is designed to go on sale worldwide and will be produced at Toyota’s ZEV factory in Japan.

Toyota says e-TNGA can host a wide range of different-sized battery packs and electric motors to suit models from different segments and allow the development of individual models in parallel.

The rest of the new e-TNGA-based models will include a smaller crossover, a large SUV, a sedan, and an MPV.

When talking up e-TNGA late last year, Koji Toyoshima, deputy chief officer of the ZEV factory was enthusiastic about the potentials.

“The versatility and flexibility of e-TNGA technology allows us to design and create vehicles that are not just battery-electric, but also exciting to drive and beautiful to look at.”