Among car manufacturers exhibiting a deliberate approach to the shift to pure electric vehicles, Toyota stands out as a significant contender, almost rivalling the resistance of aerodynamic drag. Historically, under previous leadership, Toyota steadfastly pursued hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell technology for an extended period. While hybrids remained a primary focus, the newly installed leadership at Toyota is swiftly adapting to the electric vehicle landscape.

Ironically, Toyota initially invested in an early-stage electric car startup, only to later divest and sell its equity stake. The company in question was Tesla, which has since soared in value to nearly $1 trillion, surpassing Toyota’s valuation of around $270 billion, despite the latter producing a significantly higher number of vehicles.

Toyota’s central focus lies on China, the world’s largest car market. Notably, China boasts the most advanced electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure globally. In 2022, the country witnessed the sale of around 23.56 million passenger cars and 3.3 million commercial vehicles. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) constituted 26% of total auto sales, while plugin vehicles reached a notable 39% market share.

At last week’s 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show, the collaboration between Toyota and China’s state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) unveiled two intriguing EV concept models, one of which is an elegantly designed sedan.

The sedan, named Shūshì de Kōngjiān “Comfortable Space” in Chinese, debuted as a prototype, providing a glimpse of the 2025 production model. Manufactured locally through the GAC Toyota joint venture, this electric vehicle is slated for exclusive availability in the Chinese market.

Full technical details and data are not known. As per Chinese sources, the model will offer options with both single and dual electric motor configurations, and pricing is expected to commence at ¥250,000 ($35,000).