[Dippy]

Toyota unveiled the Kijang Innova BEV Concept at the IIMS 2025 (Indonesia International Motor Show).

While the overall design looks similar to the diesel Kijang Innova that is on sale in Indonesia, there are some distinguishing features. There are new sporty-design headlamps, a closed grille, a restyled bumper, and a top-mounted LED strip. There is also a blacked-out roof, body-cladding dual-tone ORVMs, and 16-inch alloy wheels.



The rear gets funky tail lamps with an LED strip connecting them. Prominent 'BEV' badging is on the tailgate and the side of the rear window.

Coming to the interior, there is a large touchscreen infotainment system, instrument cluster with analogue dials with a MID, ambient lighting, wireless phone charger, dual-tone interior and captain seats in the middle row. Rear passengers also get infotainment screens.

The Innova BEV features a 59.3 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. While most battery packs are mounted on the floor bed in EVs, Toyota has done something different. Here multiple smaller battery models are mounted on the floorboard and a larger unit is installed in the engine bay.





The Innova BEV supports Type-2 AC and CCS-2 DC chargers. The charger and inverter are installed at the rear of the MPV.

There are no details on the range or charging time at the moment. It is also not known when the Innova BEV will go into production.

Toyota currently sells the hybrid Innova Hycross and the Crysta diesel in India.

Source: @indra_fathan

Link to Team BHP news

[GTO]

A heavy, body-on-frame UV that was originally designed for diesel / petrol and is 10 years old is the WORST base for an EV. Just shows how far behind Toyota is in EVs. Come on Toyota, you can do better than unveils like these. If in doubt, go take a test-drive of the latest Mahindra EVs, or those from BYD.

[kadanaJ]

Companies like Mahindra and BYD are focusing on making born-EV platforms (which have many advantages over an ICE convert).

And here is Toyota, using a 10 year old body-on-frame platform, to make a Frankenstein-like BEV with the battery spread out in an almost jugaad-like manner.

They are so far behind in the EV game, it isn't even funny.

[Comrade]

I could be in the minority but this could be the perfect vehicle for my dad. He is looking to replace his fourth Innova (two having run 3L+ kms & remaining two 2L+ kms). He wishes to get on the EV bandwagon and save on the running costs, but the EVs we test drove (including BYD emax 7) do not have comfort of the Innova's 2nd row captain seats! the main issue with EVs including born electrics is high knee seating position! If the Innova EV can somehow retain the seating comfort, then he would buy it in a blink.

Also I see nothing wrong in modifying a ICE car into a EV even if the final product is not as efficient as a born EV but delivers value to the end-customer compared to the petrol/diesel variant.

[Sensible_Speed]

Originally Posted by GTO

A heavy, body-on-frame UV that was originally designed for diesel / petrol and is 10 years old is the WORST base for an EV. Just shows how far behind Toyota is in EVs. Come on Toyota, you can do better than unveils like these. If in doubt, go take a test-drive of the latest Mahindra EVs, or those from BYD.

Toyota is not convinced that EVs are the way forward. This is shown in their ultra conservative approach to EV development till now. CAFE style regulations do not affect them much as they sell a ton of efficient hybrid cars. The paltry number of EVs that they do sell under their various brands bridges the gap to avoid major fines. This strategy has worked very well for them. Toyota cars are reliable appliances, so sales will always be aplenty.

This 'new' Innova is basically plugging a gap in the market. Its a placeholder for operators that might need something like this. Toyota revealed, it was working to integrate solid state batteries in their hybrids by late 2026. But they've gone quiet on that front, so I'd expect them to take their sweet time to analyse what market trends are sustainable in the long run. Toyota's profitability relies on manufacturing efficiently at large scales. So, you can bet on them to be completely certain of a move before making the switch.

[ringsoftime]

I think, as demonstrated by Rivian and F150 lightning, Body On Frame platforms are quite forgiving in the EV conversion, unlike the monocoque platforms. I think this could work.

[Staraptor]

What travesty is this! Why was the Hycross not used as the base of this car?

The Hycross EV would actually have been interesting, and would have a strong fan following of its own.

Besides, the 59.3 kW battery size is frankly laughable for how big the vehicle is.

[rvd8732]

Well, I will probably wait to hear from the designers and engineers before bashing the car. I am sure they have their own reasons.

[Fuel Of Satan]

I cannot begin wrapping my head around how the execs at Toyota thought that an aging ladder-on frame chassis was perfect for an electric van

[electric_eel]

Seriously, this is what they are bringing to the EV table. Tone deaf is probably the only way to describe what this is.

[Doge]

Ladder frame can be a decent base if engineered properly, but my god, what in the Karol Bagh abomination is this Toyota?
Looks so aftermarket and poorly integrated with the original design and body.

[V0id2003]

Wow! a 10 year old BOF platform as an EV.

Toyota should keep focusing on hybrids according to their business strategy.

This EV looks like a half hearted attempt on a project that got multiple delays because it must be at the very end of toyota's priority list & it was just pushed out by management after it sat in the oven for too long.

[Earthroamer]

I don't understand why people are " disappointed".

The concept of Innova is a , tough (bof) people mover, predominantly aimed for taxis, in developing markets (without proper infrastructure), with a stiff rear suspension (to carry more people comfortably). Needless to say, it not only killed it's competition in the market for the aforementioned segment, it even ventured to attract families (big ones) and political class with high mileage.

This EV is also exactly the same to target some taxi drivers who are tilted to get an EV for their hires. It's not toyotas primary EV or their flag bearer vehicle for EV market.

Also , contrary to popular belief, EVs are very easy to manufacture. All you need is battery sourcing. The rest of R&D is still going to be on mechanical aspects of the vehicle, like braking, tyres, axles, cornering, moose test etc. So it's extremely easy for Toyota to come up with an quirky EV , aimed at younger market, like mahindra. But Toyota , believes those EVs are not solution for anything, and customers are going to revert back to ICEs with lots of complaints on those said EVs after the novelty wanes.

[buzzy_boy]

To use one of Warren Buffett's famous idioms, the Crysta Diesel makes sense, sense, and more sense, while a Crysta BEV is pure nonsense!

There is a reason why Toyota did not reveal the range - it would be hilariously low.

[Chrome6Boy]

Just like the Creta EV makes sense, I think Innova EV will also make sense. Some people just love Innovas and won't even consider other cars, this gives them a great option.

When it comes to India, it will definitely come with a bigger battery and will sell heaps even if the competition is better.

This will probably lead them to bring back the Tavera EV and that will sell too!