Toyota will launch its first electric car before the end of the calendar year 2024. In addition, Toyota First EV 2024 will launch two variants, the Toyota Urban SUV and the Toyota Electric SUV, with a range of 400 km and 550 km, respectively.
The Indian automobile industry is gradually shifting towards electric vehicles, with car makers like Maruti Suzuki, Honda, Skoda, Volkswagen, Toyota, and all other car manufacturers preparing to enter this growing segment. Companies such as Hyundai, Kia, and Tata plan to expand their EV portfolio in the coming years. According to a recent report, Toyota Kirloskar Motor will launch its first electric SUV by September-October 2025. It appears to be the production-ready model of the Toyota Urban SUV concept introduced in December 2023. The EV is based on the Maruti Suzuki EVX.
The Toyota Urban SUV Concept and the Maruti EVX are based on the same platform (27PL Skateboard Architecture), body panels, and interior trim. They will be built locally at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat facility for domestic and overseas markets. However, the design and style of the two models are different. The design of the Urban EV will be based on the BZ compact SUV concept, featuring C-shaped LED DRLs, a pronounced front bumper, flared wheel arches, a C-pillar integrated rear door handle, and an LED light bar at the rear.
The Toyota Urban SUV measures 4300 mm long, 1820 mm wide, and 1620 mm high, with a wheelbase of around 2,700 mm. The new Toyota electric SUV will have two battery packs, with the first variant providing a range of 400 km and the second variant providing a range of 550 km.
In addition, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is also gearing up to launch the re-badged version of the Franks, which may be named Toyota Urban Cruiser Taser. Although its exterior has undergone many changes, the interior and engine setup are similar to those of the Maruti Franks. This micro SUV has been launched in the Indian automotive market with 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine options. Apart from this, Toyota will also launch its new generation Fortuner, a premium 7-seater SUV.
Toyota Corolla is selling the vehicle in India under the Altis surname, but it may soon be returned to the market. The Innova Hicross is currently sold as a hybrid SUV/crossover. At the same time, the Corolla Cross is a crossover model with a more powerful look and a sedan-like driving experience. The new Corolla Cross has a new look front end as well as a sleeker lower end with a chrome-heavy grille. Although it is a crossover, it also has some SUV-like features like roof rails, cladding, and a straight stance.
