Toyota: First electric vehicle bZ4X expected to achieve 450 kilometers

Range and Battery Can Keep Up

When it comes to the high-voltage battery, the Japanese point to their many years of experience. The 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery enables ranges of up to 450 kilometers in the WLTP cycle, which corresponds to a fairly good consumption of 15.8 kWh/100 km. A heat pump and efficient heating system are intended to minimize the impact of cold temperatures. Additionally, the battery can be recharged to 80 percent in around 30 minutes at 150-kW fast charging stations (CCS2). A three-phase 11-kW on-board charger will be available from the fourth quarter of 2022. With an optional solar roof, customers can generate enough energy for up to 1,800 kilometers annually, the manufacturer promises.

Fast Charging Without Impact on Longevity

It is also promised that fast charging will neither affect the safety nor the longevity of the battery. After ten years or 240,000 kilometers driven, the high-voltage battery will still have 90 percent of its capacity, according to the statement. Through regular maintenance, the car manufacturer guarantees that the battery will retain at least 70 percent of its original capacity even after one million kilometers driven (or ten years). This is ensured by multiple monitoring of voltage, current, and temperature in the individual cells. If abnormal heat development is detected, a check is automatically initiated.

In addition to water cooling for the battery—a first for Toyota—targeted countermeasures are intended to limit any material degradation. Special safety measures during the production process are supposed to prevent foreign objects from entering the battery.

Steer-by-Wire Steering: Electronic Steering on Request

As the first production model, the Toyota bZ4X can be optionally equipped with the "One Motion Grip" steer-by-wire system, which will be introduced in Europe at a later date. This electronic system precisely adjusts the tire angle to the driver's wishes, making a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and front wheels unnecessary.

Aerodynamics: Range Booster

The electric SUV features numerous aerodynamic details: openings are embedded deep into the corners of the front bumper to create a smooth air curtain. A flap in the narrow lower grille additionally directs cooling air to the battery when needed and reduces air resistance. The full underbody cover, a two-part roof spoiler, as well as the rear diffuser and spoiler, complete the fine-tuning.

Safety: Semi-Autonomous on the Road

The fully electric bZ4X also debuts the so-called T-Mate in Europe for the first time. This term bundles assistance and safety systems, including the third generation of Toyota Safety Sense. By improving the millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera, dangers can be detected even earlier. The enhanced Pre-Collision System is designed to detect oncoming and cutting-in vehicles early and react accordingly by adjusting speed and initiating a braking maneuver if necessary.

An intersection assistant helps not only when turning at intersections but now also detects oncoming traffic over two adjacent lanes instead of just one as before. The steering assistance helps the driver safely avoid dangers such as pedestrians, cyclists, or parked vehicles by slowing down and stabilizing the car. The Front Cross Traffic Alert warns of vehicles approaching an intersection from both sides, and the new exit assistant (Safe Exit Assist) prevents collisions with traffic approaching from behind due to suddenly opening car doors.

Not for Self-Drivers: Parking Assistant

The Advanced Park Assistant handles parking: Four cameras placed around the vehicle and twelve ultrasonic sensors maneuver the e-SUV into the parking space even if the driver has already gotten out. During the drive, "Safety Sense" also monitors the driver's well-being: an internal monitor records the usual driving position and warns if it detects a deviation indicating dangerous distraction, discomfort, or driver drowsiness.