Toyota, that’s the brand of the hybrids, isn’t it? Yes, but gradually there is more electrification in the product range. The first all-electric model it presents is the bZ4X, an SUV that allows you to drive really off-road – and also charge solar energy if desired.
Toyota, the brand known for its ‘hybrids without plug’, is continuously expanding the electrification of the range. In addition to plug-in hybrids and hydrogen-electric cars, it will come with fully battery-electric models within a year. The first model, to be unveiled next December 2, is the bZ4X – where ‘bZ’ stands for ‘beyond Zero’.
The SUV bZ4X offers good space for five occupants plus 452 liters of luggage, thanks to the large wheelbase. Compared to the Toyota RAV4, it is 160 mm longer. In addition, the bZ4X is 85 mm lower, the hood is also 50 mm lower. Its design incorporates more aerodynamic elements – such as the openings at the corners of the front bumper for less turbulence – which ultimately contribute to a good range. In the WLTP test, this is more than 450 km. The lithium-ion batteries are under the floor. The low center of gravity, front/rear weight balance and high body rigidity aid safety and road holding. You can accelerate and decelerate with just the power pedal.
Toyota bZ4X
Two drive variants
When the Toyota bZ4X comes on the market in the course of 2022, there will be a choice of two drive variants. The first is front-wheel drive. Its electric motor delivers 150 kW / 201 hp power and 265 Nm of torque. Number two, equipped with electric motors (each producing 80 kW / 107 hp) on the front and rear axle, is good for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
Not only do you have All-Wheel Drive with this variant. You also have XMode riding modes for various surfaces and weather conditions and Grip Control for rough terrain. For the first time, Toyota also offers One Motion Grip, the new steer-by-wire system, or fully electronic control between the steering wheel and the wheels.
The 71.4 kWh battery can be charged to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes on a 150 kW fast charger. Toyota expects a lot from this battery: only a 10 percent decrease in performance after 10 years or 240,000 kilometers driven. And if you want even more durability, you can order the bZ4X with the Solar Roof. Solar panels are then installed in the roof, the generated energy of which is stored in the battery. Per year you gain 1,800 kilometers to drive.
