Toyota has launched the bZ4X, an electric SUV with several cool features that may be considered the company's first all-electric car.
We first saw the car when Toyota launched it as a concept at the Shanghai Motor Show, but Toyota has yet to release any specifications or details about its features.
The bZ4X was officially presented today at an event in Japan, ahead of deliveries starting next year.
While Toyota has previously introduced all-electric vehicles in China, the bZ4X might be considered the company's first battery-electric vehicle because it is the first to employ a BEV- specific chassis and to be available worldwide.
Toyota bZ4X
"bZ" stands for "beyond zero," Toyota's most recent electrification strategy and a type of sub-brand for the company's upcoming electric vehicles, which start with the bZ4X.
The electric SUV hasn't changed much since it was first shown in concept form. It still has some aggressive design and sharp lines:
A single 150 kW motor powers the front-wheel-drive model, while an 80 kW motor powers each axle in the all-wheel-drive version.
The DC fast-charging capacity appears to be capped at 150 kW, and Toyota claims that with that capacity, it can charge to 80% state-of-charge in around 30 minutes.
In terms of features, it's a good entry-level to mid-level electric SUV.
Aside from the power train, Toyota has clearly been paying attention to the features that other manufacturers are putting on their EVs, and the bZ4X has a lot of them.
For example, it has bidirectional charging features for vehicle-to-home capacity.
It also has a solar roof that, according to Toyota, can "produce electricity equivalent to 1,800 km of driving mileage each year":
Toyota also offers a "wing-shaped" steering wheel as an option on the bZ4X, which the company claims increases visibility:
That's similar to Tesla's "Yoke" steering wheel, which launched in the Model S Plaid recently.
Toyota, on the other hand, solved Tesla's basic problem by introducing a "wing-shaped" steering wheel with a steer-by-wire system that allows for what Toyota terms a "one motion grip":
Lock-to-lock is adjusted at around 150 degrees, which avoids the need to switch grips while steering and considerably reduces the driver's workload for U-turns, garage parking, and twisting highways.
The steering feel is increased by regulating the steering torque felt by the driver and the steering angle of the tyres independently. Drive mode selection can alter steering characteristics.
Tire vibrations are blocked, and only necessary vibrations, such as road information, are sent. When driving on rough ground or with Lane Tracing Assist engaged, the system regulates tyre movement to guarantee vehicle stability.
More legroom is provided by the one-motion grip, which improves driving position freedom and simplicity of entry and exit.
More information on the Toyota bZ4X's cost and availability is expected in the following months.
In mid-2022, the electric SUV is slated to make its launch in Japan.
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