LOS ANGELES — After a stumble out of the gates with its first-in-a-series 2023 bZ4X, Toyota is introducing a smaller idea with an analogous form prone to sooner or later slide beneath the back-on-sale bZ4X in an expanded battery-electric lineup for the Japanese automaker.

The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Idea proven late Wednesday earlier than the beginning of the Los Angeles Auto Present is roughly comparable in dimension to the Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact crossover, smaller than the RAV4-sized bZ4X. An earlier model of the idea was one in every of 16 EVs displayed behind Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda late final 12 months when he laid out the automaker’s battery-electric future. If a manufacturing model involves the U.S., it might possible be offered because the bZ3X.

“We have solely simply begun to scratch the floor of the Past Zero moniker,” Toyota model head David Christ mentioned in an announcement. “With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech options by no means earlier than seen in a Toyota mannequin, the bZ Idea showcases one other doable imaginative and prescient of the very close to future with our battery electrical automobiles.”

Toyota says the idea was designed utilizing a “clean-vital design strategy,” which “goals to precise what’s particular about battery electrical automobiles whereas additionally providing enjoyable to drive, exhilarating efficiency.”

The bZ options quick overhangs and a narrowed cabin to enhance aerodynamics and journey efficiency, and it might carry over a variety of styling cues from the bZ4X.

The cabin options seating produced from plant-based and recycled supplies, whereas the infotainment system employs a private agent named Yui to attach the motive force and passengers with the automobile. It additionally options audio and visible lighting cues that transfer across the cabin to answer instructions from front- or rear-seat passengers, the automaker mentioned.