“Carbon neutrality for protecting beloved cars,” Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda declared as he introduced the Toyota Corolla Levin BEV concept to fans at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan’s equivalent of the Las Vegas SEMA show.The Corolla Levin, spelled with the letters “EV” in green, was one of several concept vehicles from Toyota and Lexus at the show, but it was the only pure battery electric vehicle.
Toyota engineers also pointed out that as much as possible, “the robust driving force” characteristic of the car was maintained, but posed challenging because of the extremely linear power delivery by the electric motor. To connect the electric motor to the 5-speed manual transmission with a clutch also meant the use of sensors to match motor speeds during shifting. Since it is a rear-wheel-drive car, the rear differential is essential unmodified.
Companies like UK-based EV-upcycler Lunaz are looking to Japan as a strong market for conversion. There are many well preserved vintage British luxury cars, like Aston Martins and Rolls Royces, which are best for electrification. Toyoda explained that though other companies have set full battery electrification of their vehicles between 2030 and 2050, he believes that it will take time for all new vehicles to become carbon neutral — a stance that Toyota Motor has taken from the very start, which is why it focused on development of hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, unlike Nissan, which went on full electric.
It says “electric vehicle” (experimental use)
Deja vu