A closer look at electric Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota has given the world a better look at its Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept off the back of the shrunken electric FJ Cruiser’s win at the 2022 Car Design Awards.

The prototype battery-electric off-roader specifically won the Car Design Award for Concept Vehicles, however the baby FJ’s winning attributes haven’t been specified.

That said, Toyota has confirmed its design team drew heavily on the original Toyota LandCruiser for inspiration, with more than a few of its signature styling cues resurfacing for a third outing after the emergence of the second-gen Toyota FJ Cruiser in 2011.

“Our research into electric vehicles has been ongoing for more than 30 years, and we’ve come a long way,” said Toyota Design senior general manager Simon Humphries.

“After an initial phase of contact with electric vehicles, people will want zero-emission cars that speak about them and express their lifestyle … the Compact Cruiser EV is a perfect example of that trend.”

The FJ EV concept cuts a striking pose in its vivid blue paintwork, not to mention the orange sideburns, rugged black body cladding, contrasting silver skid plates and the mass of integrated accessories.

Toyota is yet to provide confirmation that the Compact Cruiser EV will enter production, but the concept was a central element of its presentation late last year when it promised to deliver 30 new electric cars by the end of this decade.

These include all-electric sports cars and even a dual-cab 4x4 ute, the latter possibly heralding a Toyota HiLux EV.

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