So far, Toyota's most rugged vehicles have remained staunchly battery-free. Indeed, it's only recently that we've seen even mild-hybrid versions of the new Land Cruiser (due to land in Ireland in the middle of next year) and the Hilux pickup. That clearly can't last...
Monocoque construction
So, here's the first all-electric Toyota Land Cruiser, the Land Cruiser Se. Well, at least a vision of what an all-electric Land Cruiser might look like. The concept will be displayed at the Japan Mobility Show this coming week though we have precious little in the way of technical details as yet.
Mind you, we do know that the Land Cruiser Se uses a monocoque construction, which is a major departure - every Land Cruiser thus far, including the new version which was first shown off earlier this year, has used a separate ladder-style chassis with bodywork bolted to it. Moving to unitary, or monocoque, construction will change the Land Cruiser's character entirely, but possibly in a good way - after all, when rivals such as the Land Rover Defender and Range Rover moved away from separate chassis construction, they only got better...
Can Toyota make an electric Land Cruiser that's as rugged and endlessly dependable as its petrol and diesel predecessors, though? That will doubtless be causing a few sleepless nights in Tokyo as this car is unveiled, and the work begins in earnest, in the background, to bring it production. The claim being made already is that: "A monocoque body also offers highly responsive handling and confidence in tackling rough terrain" and that "EV quietness helps create a comfortable cabin space when driving in urban areas and other on-road situations."
Toyota says that the Land Cruiser Se provides "high-torque driving performance unique to EVs, together with an elegant, stylish design." It's also a roomy three-row seven-seater, and we're assuming that the notably long bonnet either houses a big chunk of battery, or maybe an enormous Ford F-150-style 'frunk.'
How big will the battery have to be? Probably around 150kWh, given that's about the size of the battery Rivian offers in its highly-acclaimed R1T and R1S pickup and SUV.
Electric Hilux too
Speaking of pickups, it looks as if Toyota has an all-electric Hilux in the works too. Arguably even more rugged than the Land Cruiser, the Hilux has become a byword for indestructibility, so Toyota's engineers will have an even tougher job getting this right. The Toyota EPU (Electric Pick Up) will appear on the stand in Tokyo alongside the Land Cruiser Se, and it too will move to monocoque construction, with Toyota saying it delivers "high durability to create a practical yet stylish EV. At just over five metres long with a double-cab design, the EPU's monocoque structure also allows for a versatile deck space that caters to a broader range of user applications."
Given how chunky these vehicles are, Toyota is also clearly thinking about how owners will be able to continue their journeys in crowded, car-unfriendly city centres. Hence the Urban Hopper, which will also be at the Japan Mobility Show. Looking like a cross between a folding bike, a mountain bike and a scrambler, it's actually a three-wheeler, with two wheels at the front for easy stability. It's designed to fold up so you can fit it into the boot of a car (your new Land Cruiser Se, let's say, where it can also charge up) although its electric motor means that you have to be at least 16 to legally ride one (which may vary across different markets).
Toyota reckons that the Urban Hopper "supports independence at different life stages, including serving as mobility for seniors who choose to give up their licences. The compact body size and low seat height make reaching the ground and getting on/off easier. Outstanding manoeuvrability and distinctive a lean mechanism, which allows the mechanically linked front wheels to move up and down, offer an intuitive, exhilarating ride unlike any car or bicycle."
Solutions for the mobility-impaired
Also on show will be the Toyota Juu, a new take on the electric wheelchair, which the company says is "new concept in mobility designed to offer the freedom to travel anywhere unassisted. The Juu expands the user's world by enabling them to freely navigate places that are difficult to access by electric or regular wheelchairs." The big main wheels are powered, while there's a flip-down stability aid at the back that means the Juu can actually tackle stairs - up to 16cm tall - easily and safely. It has also been designed with autonomous use in mind, and can potentially drive itself around to the boot of a disabled user's car and fold itself away.
Those disabled drivers may also have a new way of controlling their car. Toyota will be showing off a new system called Neo Steer at the Tokyo show. This uses a yoke-style steering wheel, connected to an active steering system so that you don't have to cross your arms over, while the acceleration and braking are taken care of by motorcycle style grip-and-twist arms built into the wheel rim. It also means that there's no pedals, so people with reduced mobility can get in and out more easily.
Finally, Toyota's getting ready for driving on the Moon. No, seriously. The company has been working with the Japan space agency (JASA) for some time now to develop a new generation of Moon rovers for future missions, where JASA will work alongside NASA and the European Space Agency.
The previous Moon rover concept we saw was the Lunar Cruiser, a big, multi-wheeled thing, more of a Moon Winnebago, but now Toyota has created something that looks more like an off-road racer for the Moon - the Space Mobility Prototype. Each wheel gets its own independent electric motor and steering, and Toyota is says that it's being "developed to provide safe, reliable driving even in rugged and unforgiving extraterrestrial environments. The Space Mobility Prototype is capable of navigating boulders up to 50cm tall and climbing steep 25-degree slopes. The technology honed through this prototype will be used in space mobility vehicles such as the Lunar Cruiser."