Toyota to Release 2-Seater EV in 2021

Toyota announced on Wednesday its plans to launch a tiny electric car in 2021, a two-seater aiming for a diminutive footprint.

The upcoming EV will reportedly be equipped with a lithium-ion battery from Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, a joint venture between Toyota and industry giant Panasonic.

Meanwhile, the rollout is in line with the Japanese government's plan to make all new vehicles, including minicars, either fully electric or hybrids by the mid-2030s. Toyota expects demand for the new EV for short-distance travel in cities and mountainous areas. Sales to the general public are expected to follow the initial rollout, after 2022.

Moreover, Toyota anticipates demand from a wide range of drivers, from elderly people who frequently drive kei vehicles to younger, first-time drivers.

According to Andrea Carlucci the Toyota’s European product development boss, the new car will be very European in the DNA and design. On other hand, Toyota is facing government pressure in Japan to develop small EVs and the new model could replace gasoline-powered minivehicles.

Worth noting that the firm is planning to launch more than 60 new or updated electrified models by 2025. By that date, it expects more than 70% of its sales to be of hybrid models, with PHEVs, BEVs and FCEVs accounting for slightly more than 10% .