Toyota Expands EV Offering With Two New Verso Versions

The new Toyota Proace Verso EV and Proace City Verso EV join the manufacturer’s bZ4X mid-size SUV and the rest of its hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric models. Proace Verso is now an all-electric range (with the ending of sales of diesel-powered models), while Proace City Verso is a new addition to the UK line-up.
Van-derived cars are enjoying a resurgence in popularity among people looking for more spacious vehicles that offer the durability normally associated with commercial vehicles. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Ford’s recent launch of the new Courier and Connect vehicles - both available in commercial and personal versions. You can read all about the new Courier in our Ford Courier First Impressions article, and more about the new Transit Connect in our Ford Connect Revealed story. Toyota’s commercial agreement with the Stellantis Group means that their new vehicles are based on the same platforms as similar Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat vehicles. So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what they will offer.

Proace Verso can be specified in medium (4,959mm) or long (5,309mm) body lengths and is offered in a 9-seat Shuttle format. Standard features include driver’s seat height adjustment and lumbar support, power windows, dark-tinted rear windows, dusk-sensing headlights, front fog lights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors and body colour-matched bumpers and door handles. The tailgate has a heater and rear wiper system. In the cabin there are curtain airbags and a multi-function roof, which includes controls for rear cabin air conditioning. The vehicle’s multimedia functions, including an eight-speaker audio system with DAB tuner and satellite navigation, are controlled via a central seven-inch touchscreen. Smartphone integration is enabled via both Apple CarPlayand Android Auto.
The powertrain comprises a 100kW electric motor and a 50kWh lithium-ion battery, the latter located beneath the vehicle floor. The driving range is up to 143 miles (230km). The battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in just less than 30 minutes using a rapid DC power supply. The driver can select Eco, Normal or Power driving mode using a centre console-mounted switch. In Power mode, maximum output is 134bhp/136 DIN hp/100kW with peak torque of 260Nm delivered from start-up. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h and 0-62mph acceleration can be accomplished in 12.1 seconds. In Eco mode output is reduced to 81bhp/82 DIN hp/60kW with 190Nm of torque, while in Normal mode the electric system produces 107bhp/109 DIN hp/80kW with 210Nm.

The Proace City Verso EV is a five-seater that uses the same all-electric powertrain as its larger sister model. Again, the 50kWh lithium-ion battery is housed under the floor, so cabin space isn’t compromised. There are four versions to choose from: the entry level Shuttle model or the Family grade, with medium (4,403mm) or long (4,753mm) body lengths.
The Shuttle specification includes an 11kW onboard charger, air conditioning, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth and four airbags. The Family adds a larger, 10-inch multi-information display, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a pre-collision system, automatic air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels with five triple-spoke caps. OTR prices are £34,113 for the Shuttle and £37,701 for the Family, for both the medium and long body lengths. Vehicles are available to order now, with customer deliveries expected from March.

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