Toyota on Monday unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of its C-HR compact crossover and confirmed more all-electric bZ models for Europe.
The Toyota C-HR Prologue Concept shown on Monday is a preview of the next-generation model expected to launch in the near future. Toyota said in a press release that the new model is designed to support a plug-in hybrid powertrain, in addition to the hybrid powertrain already available on the current model in some markets.
The concept is the product of Toyota’s European design studio located in the south of France, which also designed the current C-HR. Batteries for the production C-HR plug-in hybrid will also be sourced from Europe, at least for models sold there. Toyota has not said whether the C-HR plug-in hybrid will be sold in the US or not
Concept version Toyota C-HR Prologue
Toyota has also announced plans to produce five more bZ EVs for the European market alongside the existing bZ4X, bringing the total to six, with the aim of making the automaker’s operations in Europe more become carbon neutral by 2040.
New models for Europe may include a production version of the bZ Compact SUV concept debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2022. The car bZ3 is based on the same e-TNGA platform, but its propulsion and battery technology, sourced from China’s BYD, means it will likely arrive in Europe in a different form. The series of concepts Toyota’s December 2021 launch may offer other hints.
Concept version Toyota C-HR Prologue
With the development of electric vehicles reported to have paused recentlyToyota seems to have chosen to continue much of its approach to all of the above—European included.
Gill Pratt, head of Toyota Research Institute, said in a statement: “Given the current shortage of supply and high cost of battery materials and lack of infrastructure, it is better to use a combination battery electric, plug-in hybrid. electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions over the next 10-15 years.”
While the C-HR plug-in hybrid hasn’t been confirmed for the US market, we do know that Toyota will take a similar approach here. It is suggested that more plug-in hybrids will come to the U.S. market—with a PHEV version of the Crown expect soon.
