It’s said that if the government made a horse it would look like a camel. That said, Turkey has just released info on its stab at building an EV manufacturing company. It’s true. The company is called “TOGG” for Türkiye’nin Otomobili Girisim Grubu. It’s the first nationalized vehicle manufacturer ever in Turkey. Turkey will hold all of the intellectual property rights associated with the vehicle.

TOGG plans on launching its C-SUV in 2022. The EV SUV will come with two range options-186 miles or 300 miles per charge. A 30-minute fast charge gives the lithium-ion battery setup an 80% charge. The exact capacities and recharge rates have not been announced by TOGG. It has said it will offer an eight-year warranty on battery packs.

Rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive SUV will be available

The C-SUV comes in either a single electric motor on the rear axle for 200 hp or dual motors for all-wheel-drive and 400 hp. Performance times are 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds with the single motor and 4.8 seconds with the dual motor. 

The exterior design was farmed out to the long-established Italian design firm Pininfarina, with an eye for what would appeal to the Turkish customer. The Anatolian culture was an inspiration, especially the tulip image. A pattern incorporating the tulip is used on the grille and also in the design of the wheels to help connect with its Turkish origins.

An infotainment screen is located in a simple dash arrangement that includes an all-digital instrument cluster. There is even a passenger display rising up from the center console. The goal was to keep buttons and dials to a minimum. 

Holographic imagery for driver assistance is an industry first

TOGG says advanced eye-tracking algorithms and holographic 3D imagery are built into the SUVs technology package. This will assist the driver to avoid having to look away from the road. All road and environmental conditions will have 3D-enhanced imagery to allow the driver to direct functions safely. This is the first vehicle to utilize this technology.

The SUV will feature a “Slow Traffic Pilot” that allows Level 2 autonomous driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic. It allows the driver to make use of the smart features inside the cabin.

With the proliferation of 5G Level 3 autonomous driving will be possible

Once 5G wireless technology becomes more common the SUV will be able to hit Level 3 autonomous driving. Over-the-air updates keeps the software current, and will even be able to go beyond Level 3 capabilities. OTA updates and V2X abilities mean the SUV can interface with home and electric grids. 

The suspension is your basic MacPherson strut front end and an integral link independent rear in an effort to give a sporty feel with precise handling. So holographic assistance is another technological feature incorporated into the TOGG SUV.
TOGG is well on its way to having its first vehicle for sale in 2022. Other versions built from the basic architecture of the SUV will be available after 2022 as development tie and money allows. It’s doubtful the TOGG SUV will make it to the US. But if the government is stepping into this involved industry then there is still room and more money to be made.