Toyota Trademark Could Preview Cool New EVs
After a slow start, Toyota appears primed for action, with new EVs coming in the next few years. A recent trademark application surfaced on the bZ forums, suggesting one of them could be a boxy electric off-roader or sports car.
Toyota applied to trademark “FT-3e,” which will be immediately familiar to keen-eyed enthusiasts. The automaker rolled out an FT-4X concept a few years ago that brought FJ-inspired styling and rugged off-road capability. On the other hand, the automaker debuted the FT-1 concept in 2014, which previewed the Supra we got in 2020.
Either way, this could indicate good things to come from Toyota. The automaker’s lineup contains several iconic models that would be disappointing not to see electrified. Officials have confirmed that an electric sports car is coming, and with its promised solid-state battery development, Toyota could create a vehicle that is both powerful and long-range.
Another electric SUV would be disappointing, but a stubby, upright off-roader would bring considerable excitement, as there’s not currently anything like it on sale in the United States. Jeep will bring an electric SUV to market soon, providing direct competition for a potential Toyota off-road EV, so the future of rugged electric vehicles is looking up.
[Image: Toyota]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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"Toyota Trademark Could Preview Cool New EVs"
"Cool" EV's?
Isn't that the point..... cough...climate....hack....change.
So just rent a vehicle because my new $50,000 EV cannot do a road trip? They should put that in the adds.
Test drove a Toyota Crown hybrid a couple weeks ago. Nice car and rode nice too. Not full on EV but seamless transitioning from gas to electric.
Toyota really held their cards close during the past few years of EV run up. People thought they were going to be out of the game. Apparently they had a few cards up their sleeve.
Wife was ready to buy that Crown on the spot until she realized it did not have blind spot alert. The mirror flashed a light, but no audible beeps. Complete deal breaker. Toyota dropped the ball on that feature.
No, not an option to enable. It got me curious and I looked up Toyota and was surprised that their line doesn't do it. Then I looked up Lexus and same thing, no beep. A lot of websites people weren't happy that it did not give an audible warning with the light.