Electric Toyota LandCruiser a chance for Oz

TOYOTA has unveiled a spate of electric concept vehicles at the Japan Mobility Show, after committing in recent years to taking a calculated approach to the widespread electric shift.

The automaker’s approach has been staggered, opting to transition its product range to a mix of electric, hybrid and internal combustion rather than simply jumping ship - pledging to offer customers a mix of powertrain options under its multi-pathway strategy.

A range of BEV concept vehicles unveiled at the show provide insight into what Toyota has been working on behind the scenes, among them the FT-Se electric sports car and EPU Concept ute.

While the intoxicating FT-Se sports car concept ticks the performance box, and the EPU Concept ute offers emission-free tradie appeal, the LandCruiser SE affords environmentally-conscious off-roaders the chance to own a ‘Cruiser without using a drop of diesel.

The LandCruiser SE uses a monocoque body rather than body-on-frame setup like the 300 Series, and Toyota claims the “quietness helps create a comfortable cabin space when driving in urban areas and other on-road situations” as well as saying the monocoque body will offer “confidence in tackling rough terrain”.

It is also both wider and longer than the 300 Series at 5150mm long and 1990mm wide, and with three rows of seating it is likely to compete with the equally enormous Kia EV9 if it makes its way Down Under.

An electric LandCruiser may not be viable in the eyes of caravan-loving Australians if towing capacity isn’t on par with ICE models, a reality that's equally true for the EPU concept. While towing figures are not yet known, it is likely the electric ‘Cruiser will be down on pulling potential compared with a 300 Series.

Range however is rumoured to be as high as 1000 kilometres on a single charge, however Toyota has not officially stated range potential.

Under Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy, a mix of hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicles will offer customers a range of options based on their needs. The LandCruiser SE is a potential future model that offers a clean, green option for the many buyers that don’t need or want hybrid or ICE power.

Toyota Australia is reported to be interested in the LandCruiser SE, telling media at the show they are interested in bringing the model Down Under if it goes into production.

If it does happen, the LandCruiser SE is likely to be a hit Down Under with ‘Cruiser-obsessed Aussies buying more of the off-road workhorses than any other market across the past 70 years.