Remember the raft of electric concept vehicles Toyota briefly showed late in 2021? Well, the Japanese firm has just released detailed images of the intriguing Compact Cruiser EV…

Back in December 2021, Toyota showcased 15 new electric vehicle (EV) concepts, laying bare its battery strategy. Now, the Japanese automaker has revealed detailed photographs of one of those fascinating show cars: the Toyota Compact Cruiser EV.

This particular vehicle is back in the news after winning the 2022 Car Design Award for concept vehicles. Toyota was presented with the prize at a ceremony held at the ADI Design Museum in Milan during the recent annual Milano Design Week.

Though Toyota has not confirmed plans to put the Compact Cruiser EV into production, rumours suggest the concept may well preview a future vehicle. Reports furthermore claim the battery-powered production version would adopt the “LiteCruiser” badge.

Conceived by Toyota’s design team based in France, the Compact Cruiser EV is said to build on the brand’s “strong off-road heritage”. Indeed, you’ll no doubt notice a handful of design nods to both the first-generation Land Cruiser and the FJ Cruiser still offered in South Africa today (we won’t dwell on any styling similarities to the latest Land Rover Defender).

Initial design sketches of Toyota’s little electric Compact Cruiser concept.

Toyota says the concept was designed to “enhance the lifestyles” of “young, professional urban dwellers who enjoy active outdoor leisure interests” (hence the snowboards strapped to the concept’s roof). The company has yet to release technical details, though we do know the Compact Cruiser EV features all-wheel drive, suggesting it employs an electric motor on each axle.

“Our research into electric vehicles has been ongoing for more than 30 years, and we’ve come a long way,” said Toyota design senior general manager, Simon Humphries.

“After an initial phase of contact with electric vehicles, people will want zero-emission cars that speak about them and express their lifestyle. And the Compact Cruiser EV is a perfect example of that trend,” he added.

While Toyota’s Compact Cruiser EV won the Concept Cars category at the 2022 Car Design Awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB took home the Production Cars gong and Polestar was awarded the Brand Design Language title.