Summary
- Toyota is teases three new electric models, including a pickup truck, with plans to compete in key SUV segments in the European market by 2025
- Longbow, a new electric car startup from the UK, will produce two battery-electric sports cars – a droptop two-seater called the Speedster and a sport coupe called the Roadster
- Both Longbow models will feature a lightweight design with a single 321 horsepower electric motor, with the Speedster having a range of 275 miles and the Roadster priced at around $84,000
- Both Longbow models are accepting reservations and will be assembled by hand in the UK, with prototypes expected to run this summer and production to begin in 2026
- Companies are starting to look to markets outside the US due to chaotic government policies, with businesses avoiding the US market and focusing on other regions to avoid uncertainty.
Article
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is still in progress, with various countries, especially the US, facing challenges. Toyota recently teased three new electric models, one of which appears to be a pickup truck. These new models are part of Toyota’s strategy to have enhanced products competing in key segments of the European automotive market by the end of 2025. The electric vehicles will feature genuine SUV character, distinctive design, energy-efficient performance, and true all-wheel drive capabilities. Toyota has hinted at the launch of an electric truck in the past, with the possibility of an electric version of the Hilux, its global midsize truck offering.
The lineup of electric vehicles teased by Toyota also includes the Land Cruiser Se and a large SUV concept, hinting at the expansion of their electric vehicle offerings. Additionally, a new electric car startup called Longbow in the UK plans to produce two battery-electric sports cars – a two-seater droptop called the Speedster and a sport coupe called the Roadster. The company aims to bring the British tradition of lightweight sports cars into the electric age and has a team with experience from companies like Lucid, BYD, Tesla, and Aston Martin. The emphasis on lightweight in the design of these vehicles is evident, with both models featuring a bespoke aluminum chassis and composite panels.
The Speedster and Roadster from Longbow are designed to have a single 321 horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels, with the potential for dual motor variants in the future. The Speedster is expected to weigh just under 2000 pounds, accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and have a range of 275 miles. The Roadster, priced more affordably, weighs slightly more but offers similar performance. Both models are currently accepting reservations and are scheduled for production in 2026. The company also highlights its strong relationships with major Chinese businesses and suppliers in the electric vehicle industry.
These developments in the electric vehicle market signal a shift towards innovation and expansion in response to global demand for sustainable transportation options. Companies like Toyota and Longbow are investing in electric vehicle technology and lightweight design principles to offer efficient and high-performance electric vehicles to consumers. The growth of the EV market is driven by advancements in battery technology, design innovation, and increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues. With these new electric vehicle models on the horizon, the automotive industry is poised for a transformation towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.
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