El Toyota bZ4X It is the first 100% electric model from the Japanese firm. It is a little late to the party but if the brand knows how to do its job it could be a "relative" success. It is not that it is going to sell "like hotcakes" but it can still give you some revenue at the level of commercial image. Not in vain, we are faced with a model that was born on a newly designed base, called e-TNGA, which should serve for the new family of electric vehicles planned by Toyota.
The fact is that the bZ4X has arrived "on the wrong foot" on the market. First it had an important recall because "certain units could lose their wheels." The problem has already been solved but the one that seemed most difficult to solve was that of its electricity consumption and charging power. Well, now the brand announces that for this year 2024 a couple of new features are coming to counteract this "but." Take note because it seems very interesting, right?
The renewed Toyota bZ4X from 2024 does not receive aesthetic changes...
Before telling you the technical news of the renewed Toyota bZ4X we will review its aesthetics. The summary is quick and simple as the brand has deemed it appropriate not include, for now, new features in its appearance. Thus, we are faced with one of the most attractive and original compact electric SUVs. Especially because it sports a look in the purest manga style with slit optics and a powerful hip that can be seen in the rear or wheel arches.
As for his technique, to refresh your memory, The bZ4X moves thanks to an electric drivetrain You can choose single-engine or twin-engine. In the first case the power is 204 HP and in the second 218 HP that draw from a lithium ion chemistry battery with 71,4 kWh of energy capacity. However, achieving the autonomy of 411 kilometers is very difficult because the bZ4X is very sensitive to use and its loading, in addition, its loading can be slow...
The improvements focus on loading speed and security…
It is not that the Toyota bZ4X offers slow charging power as it can be up to 150 kW in direct current. The problem is that going from 80% percent charge to 100% takes a while longer, making its use “slower”. The reason for this is to preserve the useful life of the battery but combined with a higher average consumption figure than expected, close to 20 kWh, it makes the bZ4X not the best for traveling.
And to solve the problem, Toyota announces that it will he made technical adjustments to the battery heating system to reduce loading times. Especially in cold weather using a DC fast charging power supply. For this they have included in the heating circuit a new water-water heat exchanger and a heating adjustment valve to help increase the temperature of the main battery.
According to the brand, with this improvement expect charging speed from 10% to 80% to be reduced especially when used in cold weather and even below zero. They also indicate that they have included a new radiant heating system that goes under the steering column and instrument panel. With it it is easier to heat the interior without increasing energy consumption. In this way the autonomy of the main battery is maintained.
Secondly, we must mention an improvement in security. Now the bZ4X prevents rear-end collisions It uses the blind spot control radars to detect when there is a risk of collision with a vehicle approaching from behind, automatically activating the rear emergency lights to alert the other driver. Finally, comes a digital key compatible with iOS and Android that can be shared with up to five drivers.
Source - Toyota
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 204 - 218 hp
- Consumer goods 14,5 - 116l/100km
- Assessment 4,3