Toyota bZ4X Gets a Big Upgrade: Check Out the Latest Features!

Toyota’s electric vehicle has been upgraded with dual battery choices, increased range, enhanced power output, and quicker charging capabilities. The lead engineer provides insights into 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 enough seriousness
The final evidence might very well be the Toyota bZ4X. As competitors rush forward with increased range, superior technology, dedicated electric-vehicle software, and quicker charging times, Toyota’s contemporary electric vehicle seems to become progressively less competitive as time goes on.

However, an unforeseen development occurred in recent years: Despite everything, the bZ4X became popular. It seems sales have thrived maybe even against expectations.
surged in the United States in 2024
Despite rigorous incentive programs, this trend is also gaining momentum in Europe. For instance, in largely 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 enhancements to the bZ4X this year, including increased range, faster charging, greater power, and better route planning, Toyota wants to convey a clear message to these individuals: Their feedback has been heard loud and clear.

Following feedback from our customers, retail partners, and those evaluating our vehicles, we’ve made significant enhancements,” stated Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Operating Officer and Chief Branding Officer, during the company’s Kenshiki Forum in Brussels recently. “These improvements include an increase of up to 50% in power output, charging speeds that are now two times faster, along with doubling the vehicle’s towing capability.

Masaya Uchiyama, the lead engineer for the bZ4X, informed InsideEVs that they compared their vehicle with the Tesla Model Y, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Cadillac Lyriq. These are significant rivals within the electric vehicle market, and these models have generally outperformed Toyota’s previous offerings across various aspects.

Given these improvements—which should make their way to the U.S. market shortly—will the bZ4X finally fulfill its potential as an EV?

Expanding Capabilities By Adding More Reach and Power

Let’s begin with the key features. The bZ4X now offers 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.
along with electric vehicles from Hyundai and other manufacturers
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 capacities.)

Toyota states this change allows customers to choose a configuration that perfectly matches their specific driving needs and financial constraints. The compact battery will only be offered for the front-wheel-drive variant, whereas the more substantial battery will be accessible for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

The precise ranges for these models have not been revealed yet; however, Toyota has announced that the bZ4X will provide up to 356 miles (573 km) of range based on the European WLTP test cycle. This represents an improvement over the previous maximum range of 320 miles (516 km) in Europe, marking a significant enhancement.

The United States hasn’t released the range details for this vehicle yet. In America, the longest-reaching variant of the bZ4X—a front-wheel-drive XLE trim—is said to provide up to 252 miles of travel distance. Based on some preliminary calculations, it appears possible that the bZ4X might achieve around 280 miles of range with American specifications; however, an official confirmation is still pending. Additionally, it remains unclear if the model equipped with a smaller battery will even reach our shores since local buyers tend to prioritize longer ranges.

Uchiyama also mentioned that the differences extend beyond battery size. He explained, “We enhanced the energy density and included more cells per unit. Previously, the bZ4X featured a single battery with 96 cells. In the latest version, this number has been raised to 104.”

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 offers 165 horsepower as the starting point with the basic front-wheel-drive model; however, it can reach an impressive 343 horsepower when equipped with twin motors for all-wheel drive. 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 towing capacity 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 main concern with the bZ4X isn’t its range but rather its charging capabilities. Hopefully, this problem will become obsolete soon. Toyota has increased the capacity of the built-in AC charger on top-tier models from 11 kW to 22 kW, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 and similar vehicles. If a driver manages to locate a high-powered Level 2 charger, this change could reduce the charging duration by about half, making things much more convenient for owners of the bZ4X.
formerly took nearly 10 hours
From its “dim lighting alert” to full brightness.

However, DC fast-charging capabilities remain the same with maximum rates at 150 kW. This might be disappointing as many new electric vehicle alternatives can handle charges up to 200 kW or even higher. Nevertheless, Uchiyama mentioned that this does not affect the bZ4X’s
charging curve
—its capacity to maintain a high output over an extended period, essentially—has also seen enhancements, which ought to result in a more superior overall experience.

Uchiyama acknowledged, “Previously, we experienced a sharp increase followed by a rapid decline in the charging rate.” This meant that initially, the bZ4X reached its fastest charging speed but soon slowed down considerably, causing delays for drivers needing to recharge. He added, “Now, we have smoothed out this curve so that we can 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 swift as the Ioniq 5’s performance, it represents a notable enhancement compared to previous versions where certain bZ4X models required almost an hour to achieve the same charge level. This places the Toyota in the same charging time 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 main issues with the earlier 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 couldn’t handle these tasks. However, this has changed now. According to the company, “The system will automatically choose a route featuring suggested, user-friendly charging stations, taking into account both the current battery level and how far you can still travel.” Additionally, they mentioned that this feature would soon be available on all existing vehicles through wireless software updates as well.

Updates Inside And Out

You’d have to have pretty impressive eyesight to immediately spot the visual differences between the updated bZ4X and the old one, but they do exist. The front end is slightly revised for what Toyota claims will be better aerodynamics for more range, but otherwise, expect no major changes.

What’s happening inside is quite another tale. The whole dashboard has undergone an overhaul to distance itself from the “cockpit” ambiance of the previous bZ4X model. This includes shifting the driver-oriented display screen. Below two wireless phone charging stations, you’ll find the relocated gear selection dial. Additionally, the air vents have adopted new designs, and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen comes as standard equipment.

Uchiyama mentioned that people desired increased interior space, particularly for BEVs.

Toyota representatives further mentioned that the updated bZ4X boasts improved quietness within the cabin and enhancements to its noise, vibration, and harshness reduction systems. Uchiyama noted that these changes make it a more pleasant vehicle for extended periods of use.

Price And Release Date

The pricing for the revised bZ4X hasn’t been revealed yet; however, with the addition of an option for a smaller battery, it might have a lower starting price compared to the previous model. The new version is anticipated to hit showrooms in Europe sometime after the summer, before the end of the year.

Toyota representatives highlighted that all these enhancements are specifically designed for the European models. Nonetheless, it’s quite probable that they will gradually be implemented in the U.S. versions within the next few months or possibly sooner. Upon the arrival of the bZ4X in the United States,
given Toyota’s past claims
It’s probable that it will come with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector as standard equipment.

This could position the bZ4X as a swifter, stronger, and farther-traveling electric vehicle with superior navigation and speedier recharging capabilities, along with 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 accompany the refreshed bZ4X, the new C-HR+, and the
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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