In the race to a fully electric future where there is an EV for everyone, Toyota has unveiled a bevy of EV concepts during a presentation. Ranging from EV sedans to SUVs to off-roaders to crossovers to box vans to pickup trucks, Toyota hopes to convince potential customers that it is indeed serious and all-in when it comes to carbon-neutrality—so much so that it promises 30 battery EV global models by 2030.
Some existing models will get battery EV options, while other models will probably come from the expanding bZ sub-brand of battery electric vehicles built on a new platform developed specifically for electric vehicles. bZ, by the way, stands for “beyond Zero.”
Tucked away in the back of the robust lineup of BEV concepts were Toyota’s Mid Box and Micro Box concepts. Perceived as commercial vehicles, we couldn’t help but whisper #vanlife—ahem, our apologies, #EVanlife. As of now, we don’t know much about the Mid Box or Micro Box’s platform or specifics, but that won’t stop us from dreaming a little. The Mid Box almost reminds us of a Scion xB. The Micro Box, on the other hand, kind of looks like a boxier, commercial van cousin of the FT-EV II Concept of a decade ago, or, add some tracks and it reminds us of the Venturi Antarctica. Neither resemble Toyota’s current minivan, the Sienna.
Although EV overlanding isn’t a thing quite yet, Toyota’s not the only company eyeing the EV van future—most mainstream manufacturers are and there’s a plethora of startups in the electric van biz, including Canoo. Part of the appeal is the versatility of vans, as their commercial and private applications come in multitudinous sizes and configurations. Furthermore, they can be customized to the max for pretty much any job or adventure under the sun.
Especially for Toyota’s Mid Box van concept, we can foresee its camper van future. The interior could be outfitted with RV amenities like beds, couches, kitchenettes, a toilet, and a TV. This could be more challenging within the confines of the Micro Box, but we’ve seen what creative people can do with tight spaces; tiny camper vans can go anywhere and do anything. Plus, more space could be created through the addition of a roof top tent, or a folding awning like the Nissan Hang-Out Concept.
Throw on some beefier all-terrain tires, add a little lift for more clearance, bolt up some skid plates, attach some light bars (heck, the front of the Mid Box looks like it could naturally accommodate a massive light bar), and anything could be possible for the Mid Box and Micro Box.
These two concepts tell us something important: Vans aren’t dying. They’re evolving.
Keyword: Toyota's Boxy EV Concepts Are Ready for Van Life