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 the future, the global market leader has frequently faced accusations of Not treating the electric vehicle revolution with sufficient seriousness The final evidence might well be the Toyota bZ4X. Despite other manufacturers advancing rapidly with increased range, superior technology, dedicated electric vehicle software, and quicker charging times, Toyota’s initial contemporary electric vehicle model has seemed increasingly uncompetitive as time goes on.

However, an unforeseen event occurred in recent years: 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 predominantly 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 output, and enhanced routing options—Toyota is sending a clear message to these individuals: Their feedback has been heard loud and clear.

By listening to feedback from our customers, retail partners, and those reviewing our vehicles, 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. "These enhancements include an increase of up to 50% in power output, faster charging with times now doubling speedier than before, along with a doubled capability for pulling trailers.

Masaya Uchiyama, the lead engineer for the bZ4X, informed InsideEVs that they used the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Cadillac Lyriq as benchmarks during development. These vehicles represent tough competition within the electric vehicle market and have generally outperformed Toyota’s previous models across various aspects.

Given these improvements—which are anticipated to roll out in the U.S. market shortly—will the bZ4X finally fulfill its potential as an electric vehicle?

Advancing with Increased Reach and Power

Let’s begin with the key points. The bZ4X now features 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. including electric vehicles from Hyundai and other brands 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 capacity.)

Toyota mentions that this change allows customers to choose a configuration that perfectly matches their driving needs and financial constraints. The smaller battery will only be offered for the front-wheel-drive variant, whereas the larger battery will be an option for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

The precise figures for these models have not been revealed yet; however, Toyota has announced 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 improvement over the previous maximum range of 320 miles (516 kilometers) in Europe.

The United States hasn’t released the range details yet. In the domestic market, the longest-reaching variant of the bZ4X—the XLE FWD model—is said to provide up to 252 miles. Based on some preliminary calculations, the bZ4X might 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 tend to prioritize longer ranges.

Uchiyama also mentioned that the differences extend beyond just the battery sizes. He explained, "We enhanced the energy density and boosted the number of cells in each unit. Previously, the bZ4X featured one battery with 96 cells. In the latest version, this has been increased to 104 cells."

The bZ4X's "eAxles," which are Toyota’s term for their electric motors, have undergone enhancements and now incorporate silicon carbide semiconductors to boost power output. What technology makes the Lexus RZ300e the most efficient electric SUV available in the U.S. market? The bZ4X currently begins with 165 horsepower for the entry-level front-wheel-drive variant, yet it can reach up to an impressive 343 horsepower for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration. According to the company, this makes it “one of the most potent Toyota models offered in Europe beyond their GR performance series.”

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

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

Improved Charging, Preconditioning, Navigation

However, the limited charging capabilities pose a more significant problem for the bZ4X than its driving range. Hopefully, this will become less of an issue moving forward. Toyota has increased the capacity of the built-in AC charger in the top-tier versions from 11 kW to 22 kW, surpassing competitors like the Ioniq 5. If drivers manage to locate high-powered Level 2 chargers, they might see their charging times reduced by about half, making the process much quicker for the bZ4X. typically took around 10 hours From its "dim lighting alert" to full brightness.

However, DC fast-charging capabilities have not been altered and remain capped at maximum speeds of 150 kW. This might be disappointing as many newer electric vehicles can handle charges up to 200 kW or even higher. Nonetheless, according to Uchiyama, this does not affect the bZ4X's performance. 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 rise and fall in the charging curve.” This meant that the bZ4X reached its fastest charging rate almost immediately but dropped off rapidly soon after, causing delays for drivers looking to recharge. He added, “Now, we have smoothed out this curve so that we maintain a higher voltage level throughout the process.”

Uchiyama stated that Toyota intends for the bZ4X to charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. Although this isn’t as rapid as the Ioniq 5’s performance, it represents a notable enhancement compared to previous versions where certain bZ4X models required almost an hour for the same charge level increase. This places the Toyota within the same charging timeframe range as rivals such as 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 points since the vehicle's built-in software did not include this feature. However, this has now changed. According to the company, "The system will automatically choose a path featuring suggested and easily accessible charging stations, taking into account both the current battery level and how far you can still travel." Additionally, they mentioned that this new capability would roll out to all existing vehicles through a wireless software upgrade as well.

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 subtly altered with Toyota asserting this enhances aerodynamics for increased range. However, anticipate minimal alterations elsewhere.

What’s happening inside tells a separate tale. The complete dashboard has undergone an overhaul aimed at steering clear of the former “cockpit” ambiance seen in the older bZ4X model. This includes shifting the driver-oriented display screen. Below this change, you’ll find the gear selection dial positioned lower than before, situated beneath two wireless phone charging stations. Additionally, the design of the ventilation outlets differs, complemented by a new standard feature: a 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. Uchiyama mentioned that these changes aim to make it a more pleasant vehicle for extended use.

Price And Release Date

The pricing for the revised bZ4X hasn’t been disclosed yet; however, with an optional smaller battery, it might have a lower starting price compared to its predecessor. The new model is anticipated to hit European markets sometime after the summer, before the end of the year.

Toyota representatives highlighted that these modifications are specifically designed for the European-market model. Nonetheless, it’s quite probable that they will gradually be implemented in the U.S.-market version within the next few months or possibly sooner. Upon the bZ4X reaching the American market, 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 could position the bZ4X as a speedier, stronger, and farther-traveling electric vehicle with superior navigation and swifter charging capabilities, including direct 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 . Another three are en route, appearing to be a pickup truck and at least one SUV, potentially based on the Land Cruiser Se concept .

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

Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com

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