► Toyota’s FT-3e concept revealed
► Previews new EV architecture launching from 2026
► Revealed first at 2023 Japan Mobility show
After its initial reveal at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota has revealed more details about its new FT-3e concept. The FT-3e is designed to bring balance to the EV force, being as light and as sparing on natural resources as it can be while providing the best range possible.
The new, rather boxily-designed four-door crossover is designed to show the overall future of Toyota. The brand says the FT-3e is 17cm longer, 14.5cm wider and 5.5cm lower than the bZ4X that’s currently on sale, and features neat details like animated lighting and displays in the doors that can be used to preview the state of battery charge.
Beneath the skin, Toyota says the FT-3e’s architecture is the same as that of the FT-Se concept, as well as the Lexus LF-ZC – two cars that were also revealed during the 2023 Tokyo show. ‘Every part of the company will benefit from this new platform, and that includes GR,’ says Toyota’s chief branding officer, Simon Humphries.
Toyota also aims to bring a range of battery sizes and chemistries to market over the next few years using this platform as a base. The brand’s new range of batteries includes a Performance version due in 2026 which has twice the range but is 20 per cent cheaper than the one seen in the bZ4X. After that, a cheaper lithium iron phosphate battery will have a 20 per cent better range and a 40 per cent cost reduction compared to the bZ4X.
After that, Toyota promises that solid state batteries are on the way. ‘We have made a technological breakthrough that overcomes the long-standing challenge of solid state battery durability,’ says Toyota’s European Vice President, Andrea Carlucci. ‘A method for mass production is currently being developed and we are striving for commercialisation in 2027-2028 with production capacity of several tens of thousands of vehicles.’
Production models using this battery technology, as well as new-generation software will arrive from 2026.