Toyota has been late to enter the electric vehicle market, but it has begun to highlight its intentions to achieve zero-emission vehicles through a wide range of its electric cars and future models, some of which were recently unveiled. The latest electric car from Toyota is called the "Urban SUV," which will mark its entry into full electrification when it launches next year. This model was presented at the company's annual "Kenshiki" forum in Brussels, and this small electric crossover will join the growing Toyota lineup alongside the hybrid and plug-in hybrid C-HR models.

The "Urban SUV" concept is approximately 4,300 mm (169.2 inches) long, 1,820 mm (71.6 inches) wide, and 1,620 mm (63.7 inches) tall, making it slightly shorter and narrower but a bit taller than the C-HR. This model has been designed with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, meaning it will come in single and dual motor configurations. Customers will be able to choose between two different battery sizes, but Toyota has not disclosed the details yet.

This model is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and does not share its components with any internal combustion engine vehicles, as Toyota says its competitor to the Volvo EX30 will be based on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. The exterior design features a robust look consistent with bZ models, and although it is labeled as a concept, the production model will not be much different. Among the planned changes is the adoption of regular side mirrors instead of small cameras.

This small crossover will be one of about 15 zero-emission models Toyota intends to launch in Europe by 2026 across its personal and commercial vehicle lineups. The "Sport Crossover" model was showcased at the "Auto Shanghai" earlier this year and has been confirmed for the European market. Additionally, the "bZ Compact SUV" model unveiled last year will also arrive in Europe.

Between now and 2026, Toyota will launch six dedicated electric vehicle models. By that time, Toyota expects electric vehicles to make up more than 20% of its total annual sales in Europe. Based on the company's projections, Toyota expects to sell more than 250,000 vehicles without internal combustion engines to European customers annually by 2026.

Toyota's path to achieving a zero-emission environment will not rely solely on electric vehicles, as the third generation of its hydrogen fuel cell technology will be introduced in 2026. Meanwhile, partial electrification will be added to the "Hilux" pickup truck, which will receive a 48V mild-hybrid system in 2024.