TORONTO (CU)_In this green energy age, there has been a rise in global interest in electric vehicles, although the industry has not exactly been booming in Canada. As a result, the Canadian government has been providing several incentives in hopes of putting money into the pockets of early adopters in the automotive industry. For instance, Ottawa offers a $5,000 incentive for battery EVs and $2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, the industry has struggled to break as much as 4 per cent of vehicle sales in Canada.
One of the main reasons for this is that Canadians often flock to SUVs and crossovers, instead of cars. In February 2021, pickups, SUVs and crossovers accounted for nearly 90 per cent of vehicle sales in the North American nation. Unfortunately, most EVs at this point have been cars, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt and the Mitsubishi iMiev, which have not particularly piqued the interests of Canadians.
“It’s very important that we get cars into the market that people want to buy, and not because of government incentives,” Cyril Dimitris, Toyota Canada’s vice-president, marketing and sales, said. “Certainly, that will lead to greater acceptance of EVs.”
Accordingly, the carmaker is set to release its first battery electric crossover, the bZ4X, by mid-2022, officials announced during a virtual Pan-American unveiling last week. The vehicle will be the first in Toyota’s world series of battery-electric vehicles that will be launched under the “Toyota bZ (beyond zero)” brand.
According to Toyota Canada, the bZ4X will be developed jointly with Subaru, and will be built on the new e-TNGA platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles.
The vehicle features short overhangs and a long wheelbase, giving it a distinctive design and generous interior space. Its open interior has been designed to improve driver confidence and comfort. On the other hand, the location of the meters above the steering wheel and the low position of the instrument panel were carefully considered as they not only increase the feeling of space but also increase visibility for safe driving.
According to Toyota Canada vice-president Stephen Beatty, the carmaker has electric vehicles, including fully electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, in all segments in which it competes in the country. As a result, Toyota’s market share in electrified vehicles has grown to 28 per cent today, from 10 per cent back in 2000. This figure is expected to grow to as much as 40 per cent by 2025.
