TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Electric Toyota FT-3e SUV concept revealed

The Toyota FT-3e concept has been uncovered at the Tokyo Mobility Show today, heralding an all-new coupe-style SUV that could be among the next wave of EVs from the Japanese auto giant.

The FT-3e was presented alongside several EV concepts on the Toyota show stand, including the FT-Se electric sports car with which it shares major components.

Technical details and even sizing of the high-rider are scarce, but Toyota says the FT-3e – which doesn’t appear to be one of the seven bZ (beyond Zero) models to be launched globally by 2025 (including the Aussie-bound bZ4X coming early next year) – previews a new design language for the brand, underlined by a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs.

Also new for a Toyota are digital displays located on the car’s exterior, aft of the front wheels.

They display the battery’s state of charge and a temperature reading – likely a quick reference point for owners checking their vehicle’s status during charging.

The FT-3e features a sharply raked roofline at the rear, together with proportions not too dissimilar to the Jaguar I-PACE.

There is a decidedly futuristic theme to the interior, with a single-spoke steering wheel (Holden VB Commodore, anyone?) surrounded by several angular screens conveying key details.

Naturally, there’s a big landscape-style infotainment display and a minimal switchgear layout – both common themes in most forthcoming EVs.

Although the FT-3e is strictly a concept for now, it could spawn a production version as soon as 2026.

The car-maker says it is hedging its bets on various technologies to meet the needs of everyday Australians. They are set to include EVs, hydrogen, combustion engines and even synthetic fuels.

“The cars exhibited here are totally consistent with our global multi-pathway strategy to decarbonisation,” said Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, in Tokyo.

“When you look at its history Toyota is doing exactly what it’s done for the past 80 years.

“It’s not about being first to market always, it’s about providing different solutions that are needed by different buyers in diverse regions around the world – Australia being one of those unique regions around the world where cars are used for multiple purposes in very diverse geographic landscapes.”

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