Toyota's BZ4X electric crossover concept, representing the BZ sub-brand, foreshadows the arrival of a production model in 2022.

Toyota on Monday unveiled the BZ4X concept at the 2021 Shanghai Motor Show, as well as a new sub-brand of electrified vehicles, BZ (Beyond Zero).

The concept is a battery-electric crossover similar in size to the RAV4, with a production model expected by mid-2022, including here in the US.

The production model is a crossover that Toyota said it is developing with Subaru in 2019 that will have its own version, similar to how the Toyota 86 and Subaru's BRZ sports car were developed together. Subaru expects it to debut later this year and is rumored to be called the Evolutis.

Toyota has not revealed specs, but we do know that the BZ4X and the production model it will spawn will ride on a new platform dedicated to electric vehicles called e-TNGA. Rumor has it that this platform will accommodate a battery size of 50-100 kilowatt-hours. Toyota has not revealed the charging speed of the BZ4X, but it has typical regenerative braking and solar panels that can (very slowly) replenish the battery.

We also know that the BZ4X is equipped with an all-wheel drive system that Toyota developed with Subaru.

Despite the BZ4X being roughly the same size as the RAV4, Toyota said the electric platform will help free up space in the cabin, thus giving it a cabin similar to that of a mid-size sedan. You may also notice that the streering wheels are shaped like the yoke of an airplane. An advantage of this design is that it does not block the digital meter cluster.

The BZ4X will be produced in factories in China and Japan.

Toyota has confirmed that this production model will be the first of several BZ sub-brand models. Toyota plans to have a lineup of 15 zero-emission vehicles by 2025, seven of which will be under the BZ sub-brand.

For more information on the Shanghai Motor Show, visit the dedicated hub.