The Japanese automobile maker Toyota has unveiled a new Electric bz4X, which is the first SUV built on a new EV platform by the company. The new development makes Toyota join Volkswagen AG’s splashy bet on the future of electric cars.
The automobile maker had previously unveiled a concept all-electric vehicle, but now the bZ4X, its first all-electric vehicle, has been revealed. Toyota debuted the bZ4X as a concept car at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, however, little was known about the vehicle at the time.
Toyota has recently released further information about the forthcoming all-electric SUV, the bZ4X. Although Toyota has previously provided all-electric vehicles in China, the bZ4X is the company’s first battery-electric vehicle built on a BEV-specific platform and designed for the worldwide market.
The “bZ” refers to “beyond zero,” Toyota’s electrification plan and a sub-brand for its upcoming EV portfolio, as shown in the concept introduction. The bZ4X is very similar to what we saw in the concept version. It only includes a few new features, but it still has some sharp lines and an aggressive appearance.
The SUV has a 71.4 kWh battery pack with a range of 500 kilometers (310 miles) for the front-wheel-drive variant and 460 kilometers (286 miles) for the all-wheel-drive version. To provide additional power, the front-wheel-drive version has a single 150 kW motor, while the all-wheel-drive version includes an 80 kW motor on each axle.
Toyota has crammed a lot of amazing features into the bZ4X. For vehicle-to-home capacity, the automobile can charge in both directions. The addition of a solar roof to the bZ4X expands the vehicle’s capabilities.
According to Toyota, the solar roof can generate enough electricity to power 1,800 kilometers of driving every year. To put this in context, the solar panel provides the equivalent power of at least three batteries in terms of driving range.
The wing-shaped steering wheel of the bZ4X is an optional item that improves visibility. According to the automaker, it boasts a steer-by-wire system that allows for a one-motion grip. For better width and cohesion, lock-to-lock is set at roughly 150 degrees.
When Lane Tracing Assist is active, the bZ4X system controls tire movement to guarantee stability in challenging driving circumstances and uneven roadways. The One-motion grip feature gives you additional legroom and makes entry and egress a breeze.
By mid-2022, the bZ4X electric SUV will be available in Toyota’s home market. More information about the bZ4X’s cost and global availability is likely to be provided later.
