bZ4X SUV is Toyota’s first modern battery electric vehicle (BEV) with amazing features and Price starting at $42,000 to $46,000 with release date estimated in spring of 2022 May 12^th in Japan. It has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 280 miles for front-wheel-drive models and up to 255 miles for all-wheel-drive models; you can enjoy the fun of electric driving with the confidence of knowing that it’s a Toyota.

Toyota bZ4X is a 5 passenger battery all electric compact crossover SUV coming forth as Toyota’s first BEV. It is the first vehicle to be based on the e-TNGA platform co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, and the brand’s first model to be part of their Toyota bZ (“beyond Zero”) series of zero-emissions vehicles striving to achieve innovation in all areas including the interior, styling, driving sensation and performance with the aim of creating exciting cars with shared enjoyable time by passengers in comfort of space.

Toyota bZ4X front interior

According to Toyota, the meaning of the “bZ4X” nameplate breaks down into two meanings: “bZ”, representing the nature of a battery-electric vehicle by going “beyond Zero” emissions; and “4X” describing it as a compact crossover SUV, where its numerical digit is sourced from the equivalent-sized RAV4.

General features of bZ4X

Specific packages features of Toyota bZ4X include a choice of roof (standard or panoramic moon roof) and wheel size (18- or 20-inch diameter). The car is available with one of two interior colors and one of eleven exterior colors. The bZ4X is available in one grade, Z, with Front-motor, front-wheel-drive and Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive options running on a Toyota RAV4 EV Predecessor. The bZ4X sits on a bespoke electric vehicle platform called e-TNGA, this new layout gives it a spacious and open interior, and rear legroom comparable to the Lexus RZ.

Toyota bz4x front view

bZ4X is Compact crossover 5 doors SUV with Front-motor, front-wheel-drive and Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive running on a Toyota RAV4 EV Predecessor. The Toyota bZ4X sits on a bespoke electric vehicle platform called e-TNGA, this new layout gives it a spacious and open interior, and rear legroom comparable to the Lexus RZ.

e-TNGA Platform

bZ4X will be the first Toyota vehicle to utilize the brand-new e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. Made specifically for Toyota electric vehicles, this structure allows for more space that you can feel in the cabin and provides a solid foundation for outstanding driving performance, ride comfort and stability for the road ahead.

e-TNGA Platform

e-TNGA Platform and body

All-Wheel Drive With X-MODE

Whether helping you navigate through a downpour or hug the curves of a winding road, bZ4X’s available AWD capability gives you confidence to stay the course. And with the push of a button, X-MODE maximizes bZ4X’s AWD potential. By adjusting drive force, braking and throttle input, you’ll enjoy its impressive performance in tougher conditions.

Powerful Electric Motor; Powertrain and Performance.

bZ4X takes advantage of an electric powertrain by delivering almost instantaneous torque to a drive that comes naturally. Front-wheel-drive models use one electric motor 150 kW, 1XM AC permanent magnet synchronous (XEAM10) to produce 201 hp with 196 lb.-ft. of max torque with an estimated range of 500 km (311 mi) and 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time in 8.4 seconds.

While all-wheel-drive models harness two electric motors 2×80 kW, 1YM AC permanent magnet synchronous (YEAM15) to deliver 214 hp with 248 lb.-ft. of max torque to both axles combined with an estimated range of 460 km (286 mi) and 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time in 7.7 seconds.

bZ4X powertrain specification

The motor, transaxle, and inverter are combined into a single eAxle unit, with equal-length drive shafts extending from the central traction motor. On AWD models, the ‘X-MODE’ system is borrowed from the Subaru Forester.

Battery Performance

The bZ4X battery pack uses Panasonic 71.4 (gross) or CATL 72.8 kWh (gross), 355 V lithium-ion with an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 460–530 km (286–329 mi) (approximate cruising range, WLTC) 355–405 km (222–252 mi) (US)

Regenerative Braking With Boost Mode

The unique driving experience of Toyota bZ4X comes from the way it harnesses and delivers electric power. By optimizing the force used on the acceleration pedal, you can easily tap into bZ4X’s power. When you’re not on the accelerator, regenerative braking will recapture lost energy while coasting and help slow you down. its amazing how electric vehicles work to achieve this.

bZ4X’s Interior

The bZ4X’s interior looks very distinctive and high-tech. As for the driving position and dashboard layout, well those might be more of an acquired taste.

bZ4X front and rear interior

The bZ4X has a spacious, airy interior, and the dashboard incorporates a digital gauge display and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, and navigation is included for three years, after which it’s available via subscription. The wide center console between the two front seats features standard wireless smartphone charging and open storage underneath, although there’s no glovebox. An optional feature in the Limited is a radiant heating element in the lower dash that warms front-seat riders’ legs. There’s also no trunk, and the rear cargo hold is 26 to 28 cubic feet (versus 38 for the RAV4)

bZ4X rear cargo holding

bZ4X Charging

bZ4X features Plug-in charging with SAE J1772/CCS1 charging port compatibility, 6.6–11 kW AC, 150 kW DC CCS for Panasonic 71.4 kWh (USA FWD) and 100 kW for CATL 72.8 kWh (USA AWD)

bZ4X charging port

Both models are powered by a 71.4 kWh battery, which is a 355 volt pack that accepts DC fast charging at a maximum rate of 150 kW. Using a fast charger can charge up to 80% capacity in 30 minutes, and an optional rooftop solar panel system may generate electricity to drive the vehicle for at least 1,800 km (1,100 mi) per year. The battery is estimated to retain 90% of its original capacity over a ten-year period. The car can act as a power supply in V2H or V2L fashion.

History and production locations of bZ4X

Production and assembly of bZ4X will be in Japan at Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant) and in China at Guangzhou (GAC Toyota) and Tianjin (FAW Toyota)

The design of the bZ4X was previewed by pictures of a series of electric concept vehicles released by Toyota in June 2019. The company highlighted the plan to release six electric vehicles between 2020 and 2025, using the e-TNGA platform. The vehicle was also previewed by Subaru, which is developing the vehicle with Toyota as a concept mockup showcasing a similar concept design in January 2020.

The bZ4X Concept was revealed in 19 April 2021 and was presented at Auto Shanghai on the same day. While it is revealed as a concept vehicle, the vehicle appeared to be nearly production-ready. The bZ4X is similar in size to the RAV4, but stood lower with sharper styling and a longer wheelbase that matches the larger Highlander’s. The vehicle has been developed in conjunction with Subaru, which is said to have had input into the car’s all-wheel drive system.

Design of bZ4X

The overall size, at 4,690 mm (185 in) total length, is comparable to a RAV4 (XA50), but the wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112 in) is similar to that of the Land Cruiser (J300), giving the bZ4X a large interior space. The e-TNGA platform was jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, with Toyota receiving credit for battery and eAxle development and Subaru for 4WD control and collision safety.

Some models also adopt a steer-by-wire system. The steer-by-wire system was developed for the Chinese market and will be available with a yoke in lieu of a conventional steering wheel. Combined with the low instrument panel, Toyota stated the yoke provides a more open interior.

Toyota bZ4X Market

Worldwide sales of the bZ4X will commence in mid-2022, with production planned in Japan and China. Sales in the United States will also start in 2022. Toyota has also stated that there will be seven “bZ” models to be launched globally by 2025. In Japan, Toyota will commence the first phase by accepting applications for the first 3,000 units on May 12 and anticipates a second phase of applications in early autumn. A total of 5,000 units for production and sales are planned for the first year.

The Japan market-spec bZ4X was announced in April 2022 and will be launched on 12 May 2022. The model is only available for lease through the company’s Kinto service to “eliminate customer concerns” regarding battery electric vehicle while “taking the environment into consideration”.

An application fee of ¥770,000 is required to apply for the lease, which requires a monthly payment of ¥107,800 during the first four years for the base model (Z, frontwheel drive with 18-inch wheels, standard roof, and no options); the monthly payment includes insurance, tax, inspection, and maintenance.

However, a clean energy vehicle subsidy applies for the first four years, which reduces the effective monthly payment to ¥88,220 for that period. In the fifth year, the subsidy is no longer available, but the monthly lease payment drops to ¥75,460 in year 5, and continues to decrease by ¥5,390 for each subsequent year, so the monthly payment is ¥70,070 in year 6, ¥64,680 in year 7, and so on. The sum of the monthly payments over the ten-year lease is ¥9,637,320 (US$88,400), excluding the application fee.

Sales Plan of Toyota bZ4X in Japan

In Japan, all vehicles will be leased to eliminate customer concerns regarding BEVs, while implementing battery management for all vehicles to promote the 3Rs (Rebuild, Reuse, Recycle) of batteries.

The bZ4X will be made available to individual customers through KINTO subscription services with the aim of enabling use for extended periods with peace of mind and the development of customer-oriented services. For corporate customers, the vehicles will be leased from Toyota Rent-a-Lease Dealers nationwide and the Toyota Mobility Services Corporation (Tokyo region).

In addition, Toyota will respond to developments in charging infrastructure. Toyota plans to install rapid chargers at all dealers in Japan by 2025, with initial plans to install rapid chargers mainly in urban areas where demand is high for BEVs.

In this way, with the introduction of the bZ4X in Japan, Toyota will take on the challenge of BEV sales contributing to CN and providing peace of mind regarding BEVs.

Toyota bZ4X Sales North America

At launch, American buyers qualify for the full US$7,500 federal tax subsidy for purchasing an electric vehicle; each automobile manufacturer may sell up to 200,000 cars that qualify for the tax credit. Because Toyota plug-in hybrid vehicles also qualify for the tax credit, the credits are anticipated to be exhausted shortly after the launch of the bZ4X.

The North American market-spec bZ4X was unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, with its specifications also detailed by that time, including its on-sale date set in mid-2022, for the 2023 model year. Toyota-estimated range for the front-wheel-drive XLE model is up to 400 km (250 miles). Supplies are expected to be constrained by supply-chain issues; the bZ4X will have a suggested retail price ranging between US$42,000 (base, FWD) and US$48,780 (“Limited”, AWD) before the mandatory destination/delivery fee of US$1,215.

Toyota bZ4X Sales Europe

Deliveries of the first vehicles are expected to commence in summer 2022. Under the WLTP driving cycle, the front-wheel drive bZ4X achieves a range of 516 km (321 mi) (14.3 kWh/100 km consumption) and the all-wheel drive bZ4X 470 km (290 mi) (15.8 kWh/100 km).

Subaru Solterra Vs Toyota bZ4X

Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X front

The rebadged version of the bZ4X is sold by Subaru as the Subaru Solterra which the name “Solterra” is coined from a combination of the word “sol” and “terra”, Latin words for the “sun” and the “earth” respectively. Featuring a minor exterior redesign, it uses the same e-TNGA platform rebranded to “e-Subaru Global Platform” (e-SGP). The Solterra is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2022 in Japan, US, Canada, Europe, and China.

In Japan, the Solterra is offered in ET-SS (FWD and 4WD) and ET-HS (4WD only) grade levels. It is equipped with an active safety system marketed as “Subaru Safety Sense” as standard. Unlike the bZ4X in Japan, the Solterra is available for purchase.