Toyota Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric

Toyota Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric: A Versatile Electric Minivan for Europe

The Toyota Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric, launched in April 2022, represents Toyota’s strategic entry into the burgeoning electric compact minivan segment within the European and select Asian markets. As part of the Proace City Verso SWB (Short Wheelbase) generation, this battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a testament to the increasing demand for practical, emissions-free family and fleet transport solutions. It leverages a proven platform developed in collaboration with Stellantis, positioning it as a highly functional and efficient option for urban and suburban environments where space, versatility, and environmental consciousness are paramount. While not sold in the United States, its design and technical specifications reflect global trends in electric vehicle development, offering a compelling blend of utility and modern powertrain technology.

Powertrain and Performance: The Electric Heart of the Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric

At the core of the Toyota Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric is a robust electric powertrain designed for efficiency and smooth operation. The vehicle is propelled by a single synchronous electric motor, transversely mounted on the front axle, delivering power directly to the front wheels. This setup provides 136 horsepower (Hp) and a substantial 191.77 lb.-ft. (260 Nm) of torque from a standstill, ensuring responsive acceleration ideal for city driving and confident highway merging. The immediate availability of electric torque contributes to a driving experience that feels more nimble than its dimensions might suggest.

Energy is stored in a 50 kWh gross capacity Lithium-ion battery pack, cleverly integrated below the floor to maintain a low center of gravity and maximize interior space. This battery configuration allows the Proace City Verso Electric to achieve an impressive WLTP-rated all-electric range of 176.47 miles (284 km), making it suitable for daily commutes, family errands, and even longer trips with planned charging stops. Energy consumption is highly efficient, ranging from 31.22 to 33.96 kWh per 100 miles (19.4-21.1 kWh/100 km), translating to an excellent efficiency equivalent of 108 to 99 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). The top speed is electronically limited to 83.89 mph (135 km/h), a practical limit for a vehicle of this type that prioritizes range and efficiency over outright speed. Power is managed through a seamless 1-speed automatic transmission, characteristic of most BEVs, providing a smooth and effortless drive without the need for gear changes.

Design, Practicality, and Features

The Toyota Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric adopts the functional and robust design language of its platform siblings, presenting itself as a practical 5-door, 5-seat minivan. Its short wheelbase (SWB) variant measures 173.35 inches (4403 mm) in length, 72.76 inches (1848 mm) in width, and 70.87 inches (1800 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 109.65 inches (2785 mm). These dimensions contribute to its maneuverability in urban settings while still offering a capacious interior.

Interior versatility is a key selling point. With all seats in place, the cargo area offers a generous 21.08 cubic feet (597 liters) of trunk space. Folding down the rear seats expands this volume significantly to an impressive 75.08 cubic feet (2126 liters), transforming the minivan into a highly capable cargo hauler. This makes it ideal for families needing space for strollers, sports equipment, or even small furniture. The vehicle also boasts a substantial maximum payload capacity of 1545.44 lbs (701 kg) and a maximum roof load of 220.46 lbs (100 kg). Furthermore, it is capable of towing a trailer with brakes up to 1653.47 lbs (750 kg), highlighting its utility beyond just passenger transport.

Underneath, the Proace City Verso Electric features an independent McPherson front suspension and a torsion-beam rear suspension, a setup that balances ride comfort with load-carrying capability. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. Electric power steering with a rack and pinion system ensures light and precise steering, crucial for navigating tight city streets and parking spaces. The vehicle comes equipped with 205/60 R16 92H or 205/55 R17 95V tires on 16-inch or 17-inch wheel rims, providing a good balance of grip and ride comfort.

Technical Specifications: Toyota Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric

Legacy and Market Impact

The Toyota Proace City Verso SWB 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric enters a competitive yet growing segment, particularly in Europe, where the demand for practical electric vehicles is on the rise due to stringent emissions regulations and consumer incentives. Its primary market impact stems from its ability to combine Toyota’s renowned reputation for reliability and quality with the proven utility of a platform shared with Stellantis’s popular compact vans and MPVs, such as the Citroën ë-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Rifter, and Opel Combo-e Life.

This electric minivan is a crucial offering for Toyota in Europe, allowing the brand to expand its electrified vehicle portfolio beyond traditional passenger cars and SUVs into the light commercial vehicle and family MPV segments. It serves as an accessible entry point for families and small businesses looking to transition to electric mobility without sacrificing interior space, cargo capacity, or towing capability. Its competitive range and efficient powertrain make it a viable alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for many users, especially those operating within urban or regional areas where charging infrastructure is becoming more prevalent.

The Proace City Verso Electric’s legacy will likely be defined by its role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the utility and family transport sectors. It showcases how purpose-built platforms can be effectively adapted for electrification, offering a practical, no-compromise solution. By offering an electric variant of a popular and versatile vehicle, Toyota reinforces its commitment to a diverse range of sustainable mobility options, catering to the evolving needs of the European market and setting a benchmark for efficiency and practicality in the compact electric minivan class.