Toyota has announced plans to introduce battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions of its Proace and Proace City models in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
The introduction of the electric models is in response to growing concerns about climate change and air quality, which are leading to new low emission regulations in many European cities and, as a result changes in LCV customers’ requirements and priorities, especially in urban areas.
Both Toyota vans are lightly revised versions of PSA Group models and will be built in PSA factories: the Proace is based on the Peugeot Expert/Citroën Dispatch/Vauxhall Vivaro, while the new Proace City is a rebadged Peugeot Partner/Citroën Berlingo/Vauxhall Combo.
PSA Group has already announced electric versions of both van platforms, which will reach the marketplace about a year ahead of the Toyota versions.
The electric vans will join Toyota’s already expanding roster of LCVs. The Proace City, announced in April, will go on sale in early 2020, joining the established Proace medium duty van, Hilux pick-up and Land Cruiser Utility Commercial in Toyota’s LCV range.
The addition of the electric vehicles is part of Toyota’s growth plan for its European LCV business, which also includes a new brand, Toyota Professional, which aims to add focus and dedication to LCVs across its European network.
Matt Harrison, Toyota Motor Europe executive vice president, said: “The expansion and electrification to Toyota Motor Europe’s LCV product range will be supported by new Toyota Professional branding. This highlights Toyota’s commitment to its growing number of LCV customers and includes a dedicated network to ensure we deliver the right customer experience.”
