Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu Motor have joined forces to unveil a collaborative venture aimed at developing a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) system. This joint effort will serve as the foundation for a new generation of mini-commercial electric vans.
The three companies jointly developed a BEV system suitable for mini-commercial vehicles by combining Suzuki and Daihatsu’s expertise in creating small-size cars with Toyota’s electrification technology to introduce this mini-commercial van BEV.
Daihatsu will produce the vehicles, and Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Toyota will each release their own version within fiscal 2023. Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) also participated in the planning to achieve the optimal specifications for efficient last-mile logistics.
The cruising range per charge is expected to be approximately 200km, and development is currently underway with the aim of creating a vehicle that can fully meet the needs of customers in the delivery industry.
A crucial aspect of Toyota’s revitalization strategy involves the introduction of a dedicated EV platform in 2026. The automaker claims that this platform will effectively double the range of future models by utilizing highly efficient batteries.
Recognizing the increasing demand for emission-free delivery options, Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu Motor have come together to address the evolving needs of businesses and fleets. Their joint efforts aim to develop an EV platform and a series of mini-electric vans to tackle the growing emissions in the delivery sector.
The automakers will present a prototype of the mini electric vans based on the co-developed system later this week at an exhibition event held by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
The electric vans were made possible by combining Suzuki and Daihatsu’s expertise in small-sized cars with “Toyota’s electrification technology.”
Daihatsu will manufacture the vehicles, while Suzuki and Toyota will also release their own versions by the end of the year. According to Toyota, the cruising range per charge is expected to be around 200 km (124 mi).
Development is currently underway on the new commercial EV models with the “aim of creating a vehicle that can fully meet the needs of customers in the delivery industry.” Check back for more information on the jointly developed commercial solution.
