Toyota bZ4X Gets a Big Upgrade: Check Out the Latest Features!

Toyota’s electric vehicle has been upgraded with dual battery choices, increased range, enhanced power output, and quicker charging capabilities. Here’s what the lead engineer says about these improvements.

Although Toyota maintains its dedication to various highly efficient propulsion systems for vehicles, the global industry leader has frequently faced accusations of
Not treating the electric vehicle revolution with enough seriousness
. The ultimate proof may be the Toyota bZ4X. While others are racing ahead with more range, better tech, EV-specific software and faster charging times, Toyota’s original modern EV offering has felt less and less competitive with each passing year.

However, an unforeseen development occurred in recent times: Despite everything, the bZ4X became popular. It seems sales have thrived, possibly against all odds.
surged in the United States in 2024
Despite intense incentive initiatives, this trend is also gaining momentum in Europe. For instance, in largely electric-powered Norway,
It has become the best-selling model in the nation.
Clearly, individuals desire excellent fully electric choices from the brand that introduced electrified vehicles.

With numerous upgrades to the bZ4X this year, including increased range, faster charging, greater power, and enhanced routing options, Toyota aims to convey a clear message to these individuals: We understand your concerns perfectly well.

By listening to feedback from our customers, retail partners, and the journalists evaluating our offerings, we’ve been able to make significant improvements,” stated Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Operating Officer and Chief Branding Officer, during the company’s Kenshiki Forum held in Brussels recently. “The new model boasts up to 50% increased power output, charges two times faster than before, and has doubled towing capability.

The lead engineer for the bZ4X, Masaya Uchiyama, shared with InsideEVs that this vehicle was designed to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Cadillac Lyriq. These are significant rivals within the electric vehicle market, and they’ve generally outperformed Toyota’s previous models across various aspects.

Thanks to these improvements—expected to roll out in the U.S. market shortly—the bZ4X could finally fulfill its potential as an EV.

Advancing with Increased Reach and Power

We’ll begin with the key features. The bZ4X now offers two entirely new battery choices. Previously, the bZ4X provided a 71.4 kWh battery for its front-wheel-drive versions and a 72.8 kWh option for its all-wheel-drive configurations.

Now, it adheres more closely to the “large and small” approach we observe.
along with electric vehicles from Hyundai and other manufacturers
The base model of the bZ4X comes with a 57.7 kWh battery, whereas the upgraded version features a larger 73.1 kWh battery. (These figures represent the total capacities.)

Toyota states this change allows customers to choose a configuration that perfectly matches their specific driving needs and financial constraints. The compact battery will only be offered for the front-wheel-drive variant, whereas the more substantial battery option will be accessible for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

The precise figures for these models have not been revealed just yet; however, Toyota has stated that the bZ4X will provide an estimated range of up to 356 miles (573 kilometers) based on the European WLTP test cycle. This represents a significant enhancement over its previous maximum range of 320 miles (516 kilometers) in Europe.

The United States hasn’t released the specific range details yet. In the domestic market, the longest-range variant of the bZ4X—the XLE front-wheel-drive model—is stated to provide up to 252 miles. Based on some preliminary calculations, the bZ4X might potentially achieve around 280 miles of range with U.S.-spec configurations; however, an official confirmation is still pending. Additionally, it remains unclear if the model equipped with a smaller battery will reach American shores since local buyers appear to prioritize longer ranges.

Uchiyama added that it’s not just the battery sizes that are different, either. “We improved the energy density and increased the amount of cells in each,” he said. “Before on the bZ4X, one battery had 96 cells. The new generation has 104.”

The bZ4X’s “eAxles,” Toyota’s name for its electric motors, have also been improved and now include silicon carbide semiconductors for more power output. T
What technology makes the Lexus RZ300e the most efficient electric SUV available in the U.S. market?
The bZ4X currently offers 165 horsepower as the starting point with the basic front-wheel-drive model, whereas it can reach an impressive 343 horsepower when equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. According to the company, this makes it “one of the most potent Toyota models offered in Europe beyond their GR lineup.”

Given that the previous bZ4X I tested offered 214 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, the updated model ought to pack significantly more power.

The towing capability of the AWD model has been increased twofold to 3,306 lbs (1,500 kg), specifically designed to enhance caravan-towing possibilities for European customers.

Improved Charging, Preconditioning, Navigation

But range isn’t the biggest issue for the bZ4X. Charging is. With any luck, that could soon be a thing of the past. Toyota has doubled the power of the onboard AC charger on the higher models from 11 kW to 22 kW, exceeding even the Ioniq 5 and its brethren. Provided a driver can find an extremely powerful Level 2 charger, that should cut its charging time in half; the bZ4X
formerly took nearly 10 hours
From its “dim lighting alert” to full brightness.

However, DC fast-charging capabilities remain unaltered with maximum rates at 150 kW. This might be disappointing as an increasing number of electric vehicles now support charges up to 200 kW or even higher. Nonetheless, Uchiyama mentioned that this does not affect the bZ4X’s
charging curve
—Its capacity to maintain a high level of power for an extended period has also been enhanced, which should result in a more enjoyable experience overall.

Uchiyama acknowledged, “Previously, we experienced a sharp increase followed by a rapid decrease in the charging rate.” This meant that the bZ4X reached its fastest charging speed almost immediately but then slowed down swiftly, causing delays for drivers needing to recharge. He added, “Now, we have smoothed out this curve so that we can maintain a higher voltage level throughout the process.”

Uchiyama mentioned that Toyota intends for the bZ4X to charge from 10% to 80% in just half an hour. Although this isn’t as rapid as the Ioniq 5’s performance, it represents a notable enhancement compared to previous versions of the bZ4X, which often required almost an entire hour for the same charge level increase. This places the Toyota in direct competition with chargers like those found in the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

More importantly, the bZ4X now comes with battery preconditioning as a standard feature, and it’s activated both manually and automatically when a charging station is set in the navigation system. By warming the battery before charging, Uchiyama said, this should enable much quicker charging overall. This was added especially for those bZ4X drivers in places like Norway or Canada, he said, who struggled with charging in very cold weather.

Toyota also finally—

finally

—incorporated an effective electric vehicle routing feature into the navigation system. That was
One of my major complaints about the preceding bZ4X was
If you wished to drive from New York to Boston, you previously needed to utilize Toyota’s mobile application for planning your journey or locating nearby charging stations since the vehicle’s built-in software did not handle this task. However, this has changed now. According to the company, “The system will autonomously choose a path featuring suggested and practical charging points, taking into account both the current battery level and how far the car can still travel.” Additionally, owners of older vehicles will receive access to this feature through a wireless software upgrade.

Updates Inside And Out

You would need exceptionally sharp vision to quickly notice the visual distinctions between the refreshed bZ4X and its predecessor, yet these differences can be found. The frontal design has been mildly altered with Toyota asserting this enhances aerodynamics for increased range. However, anticipate minimal alterations elsewhere.

What’s happening inside tells another tale. The whole dashboard has undergone an overhaul to distance itself from the “cockpit” ambiance of the previous bZ4X model, with changes like shifting the driver-oriented display screen position. Below two separate wireless phone charging spots, you’ll find the relocated gear selection dial; meanwhile, the air vents have taken on a new form factor, complemented by a standard 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Uchiyama mentioned that people desired increased interior space, particularly for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Toyota representatives further noted that the updated bZ4X boasts enhanced quietness within the cabin and includes upgrades to its noise, vibration, and harshness reduction systems. In general, Uchiyama stated, it promises to be a more pleasant vehicle for extended periods of use.

Price And Release Date

The pricing details for the revised bZ4X have not been revealed yet; however, with an optional smaller battery, it might begin at a lower price point compared to its predecessor. The new model is anticipated to hit showrooms in Europe sometime after summertime.

Toyota representatives highlighted that all these enhancements pertain specifically to the European-version model. Nonetheless, it’s quite probable that they will be adopted for the U.S.-bound variant within the next few months or possibly sooner. Upon the bZ4X’s arrival in the United States,
given Toyota’s past claims
It’s probable that it will come with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug as standard equipment.

This would position the bZ4X as a speedier, stronger, and farther-traveling electric vehicle with superior navigation and swifter recharging capabilities, along with built-in connectivity to the Tesla Supercharger network. Should Toyota genuinely meet these expectations, the bZ4X might no longer be overlooked as merely an ancillary offering.

At this event, Toyota reiterated that they will introduce three additional all-electric models by 2026 to complement the refreshed bZ4X, the new C-HR+, and the current lineup.
Urban Cruiser
Three additional vehicles are approaching, apparently including a pickup truck and at least one SUV, potentially as described.
Land Cruiser Se concept
.

Does Toyota seem more committed to electric vehicles now? Indeed, it appears so, which is undoubtedly good news for enthusiasts anticipating this shift.

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