“ TOYOTA bZ4X “
Toyota is known for their HEV/ Hybrid Electric, PHEV/ Plug-In Hybrid , FCV/ Fuel Cell technologies and its implementation in the shape of production models. Toyota was lacking a BEV/ Battery Electric vehicle and after a long time at last Toyota unveiled some technical details on their first mass market fully electric model in the shape of a Crossover. Although Toyota is little late to the party of the EV’s BUT Toyota is on course to introduce almost 7 different models by 2025.
The bZ4X is based on Toyota E-TNGA/ Toyota New Global Architecture of electric vehicles. This is a flexible and scalable platform with front, rear and AWD vehicles which will basis of various models from crossovers to sedans and possibly sports cars . The first model bZ4X is joint venture between Subaru and Toyota. The exact same model will be rebadged as “Solterra “ FOR Subaru.
The “ bZ “ as in the names is short for “beyond Zero” and as per Toyota it’s not just the zero emission vehicle, its more than that like comfortable cabin, a new lifestyle and opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends, driving excitement, safer and positive environment , reduce carbon emissions. Anyways, as of exterior, the vehicle carry over the prototype styling revealed by Toyota few months ago. Slim headlights with no front grill while side profile takes hints from the RAV4. As per Toyota the interior and exterior design is based on "Hi-Tech and Emotion” with sleek proportions, aerodynamics optimizations and overall powerful stance. The model is 4690mm long,1860mm wide and 1650mm tall while it has a wheel base of 2850mm. For a reference the wheelbase is almost 4 inches longer than the Fortuner and all this space goes on the inside and as per Toyota, the model has one of the largest interior space for higher comfort and space and keep in mind, it’s only a 2 row 5 passenger vehicle.
The model will be offered with 71.4 kWh Lithium-ion battery with voltage of 355. As typical to any other EV, the battery is located on the floor of the vehicle. As per Toyota, the platform is highly rigid and have lower center of gravity. Toyota have worked a lot towards the safety of the high voltage battery both via hardware as well software monitoring. A system will be monitoring the battery voltage, current, and temperature to detect any abnormal activity. Additionally a high resistance coolant will be used to reduce and prevent short circuits in case of any leakage in the battery cell compartment. As per Toyota, the battery will still hold 90% of charging capacity even after 10 years of vehicle use and approx. 240,000 kilometers.
As of power, the standard model will use a single 201HP motor mounted on front axle. The AWD version will get motors each on front and rear axle and each with 107HP capacity. The total output for AWD variant is around 214HP. The FWD can reach 100 in 8.4 seconds while the AWD manage it in 7.7 seconds. The AWD is adoption of Subaru’s technology. As of range, the official tested verified numbers are not yet published but Toyota expect that the FWD can reach 500 while AWD can cover 460 kilometers on a full charge as per European WLTP specifications. The battery can be charged using maximum of 150 Kw-Dc charger if available and it will take zero to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Obviously on an onboard 6.6 Kw AC charger it will take a lot longer.
The bZ4X has an Electric power steering and it uses a drive by wire system which is basically means there is no mechanical connection between the steering , wheels and tires. This improves the steering feel, reduces driver fatigue, easy turning , parking in tight spaces. The steering system blocks unnecessary vibrations from tires although it is designed for an improved road handling and vehicle stability. As of suspension, there is strut-type coil spring on front while double wishbone coil spring on the rear.
As of interior, a complete new design language on the interior and basically aimed at highest possible front vision. Digital cluster while a large central infotainment system which is also capable of over the air updates for vehicle improvements. A panoramic roof is available as well as the solar roof. The solar roof can generates electricity per year approx. equal to covering a distance of 1800 kilometer and it also trickle charge the battery when parked outdoor under the sun. There is also be a digital key and you can use a smart phone to operate the vehicle and also send access remotely to anyone who want to borrow your vehicle. The vehicle infotainment is also capable of voice recognition system and perform different actions on voice command. As of safety, the model will come standard with wide range of active and passive safety systems.
No pricing as of now and the model will be officially revealed with all details by mid of 2022 in Japan , Europe and North America. Sales will start in the later part of 2022 and early 2023.
FAZAL@PAKWHEELS.COM
