PLANO, Texas, Nov. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota's
all-electric bZ4X made its U.S. production model debut today. As a
leader in electrification, Toyota's introduction of bZ4X represents
the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be
introduced under the global "Toyota bZ" brand umbrella. Once the
rubber hits the road, bZ4X will have a manufacturer-estimated range
of up to 250 miles for XLE front-wheel drive models.
"With zero emissions and an exhilarating drive, the bZ4X is
hitting the market at just the right time as we expand our already
comprehensive electrified product lineup," said Mike Tripp, vice president, Toyota Marketing.
"As a human-centered company, Toyota remains committed to offering
customers a diverse portfolio of products to meet their individual
needs and move us toward a carbon neutral future."
bZ4X joins an extensive lineup of Toyota electrified vehicles
that, in total, accounts for more than 24% of Toyota's total U.S.
sales volume. These include hydrogen fuel cell electrics, hybrids,
plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. Toyota envisions a
future in which carbon neutrality is achieved through the practical
marketization of a portfolio of products with advanced,
alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technologies.
Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally
by 2025. This future lineup will feature 15 dedicated BEVs,
including seven carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. This
diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota
toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Hi-Tech and Emotional, Both Inside & Out
Based on the design theme "hi-tech and emotional," the all-new,
all-electric SUV offers styling that is as bold and modern as the
vehicle itself. The front view of the bZ4X has an aero-dynamic
design, and the curved shape of the front bumper expresses a
certain uniqueness from other vehicles. The large hammerhead
shark-like shape that runs from the hood to the top of the
headlamps gives bZ4X a sleek silhouette. The rear design exudes a
powerful stance, thanks to the combination lamps, rear hatch and
bumper's trapezoidal theme that extends all the way to the
tires.
The futuristic, edgy styling extends to the interior with
premium finishes resulting in a distinctive look. With every detail
purposefully engineered to create a sense of connection, it offers
a driver-centric design that makes you feel like you're one with
the car. The unique instrument panel and precision-placed MID
screen expands the vehicle's feeling of space, while also helping
to keep driver's sight lines up and on the road. Soundproofing
glass and wind-noise reduction features create a quiet refuge from
the world outside.
With the roominess one would expect from an SUV, the bZ4X
interior offers a spacious and relaxing seat for passengers. The
accessible USB ports (A and C) offer power and connection points in
convenient locations. The panoramic roof provides a feeling of
openness and brings the outside environment into the vehicle.
Passengers will feel pampered, with abundant legroom for front and
rear seats as well as copious side-to-side space in the rear.
Intuitive, Focused Driving with Off-Road
Performance
The bZ4X offers the off-road performance you'd expect from a
capable SUV, coupled with the smooth and fun driving performance
inherent in an all-electric vehicle.
Built on the BEV-dedicated e-TNGA platform, a first for Toyota,
the bZ4X achieves impressive driving performance thanks to the
high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack placed flat under the floor,
which gives it a low center of gravity. Impressive handling is due
in part to the battery cross-framing structure, which adds to
overall vehicle rigidity. The adoption of a lightweight body
structure partially made of high tensile steel, as well as the
enhancement of frame components around the battery pack and the
forward and rear suspension also contributes to the agile
responsiveness of bZ4X. In addition, a redesigned accelerator pedal
creates a smoother feel when accelerating and decelerating coupled
with an intelligent throttle with slip suppression to provide
impressive control on slippery roads. And, when you combine that
with a new AWD system with X- MODE®, an available
standout feature for bZ4X and a Toyota first, you get an
exhilarating, yet comfortable, driving experience suited for
everything from daily driving to light off-roading. Another
impressive feature of the AWD system is Grip-Control, which
leverages motor drive characteristics to achieve capable off-road
performance – exceeding expectations at every turn.
The engineering team also focused on features that maximize
energy-saving and cruising range for year-round driving
(particularly in winter settings). In addition to aerodynamic
design choices and body weight reduction efforts, the following
systems and equipment were adopted to reduce energy consumption,
especially power used for heating in cold climates:
- Heat pump system for both heating and air-conditioning
- Seat and steering wheel heaters
- Front-seat radiant foot-and-leg heater (first for Toyota)
Performance + Peace of Mind
Determined to offer performance that also focuses on safety and
peace of mind, Toyota aimed to develop a BEV that offers many years
of satisfied ownership. This includes the consideration of overall
driving range, particularly in cold climates, and targeting a
battery capacity retention of 90% after 10 years of ownership.
In terms of battery safety, Toyota added many measures to help
ensure cell integrity was protected. A non-conductive coolant runs
through separated flow channels to maintain optimal battery
temperature. The battery pack housing is designed to withstand a
collision from any angle due to its frame and cross-bracing
design.
bZ4X will be the first to feature the latest Toyota Safety
SenseTM safety package (TSS 3.0). This system has been
improved by expanding the detection range of the millimeter wave
radar and monocular camera. Toyota has enhanced the performance of
each function and added new functions to assist in normal driving
conditions. For example, the Pre-collision system has been improved
to offer Low-Light Cyclist Detection, Daytime Motorcyclist
Detection and Guardrail Detection. Also, lane recognition is
enhanced to add improved functionality while in Lane Tracing Assist
mode.
The goal of TSS is to help prevent accidents, further reduce
traffic fatalities and injuries and ease the burden on drivers.
Intuitive Tech
The bZ4X is loaded with intuitive tech features. Owners will
enjoy a user interface that offers interaction through sight, touch
and voice. With a Drive Connect trial or subscription, the bZ4X
offers navigation that uses map information from the cloud to
obtain traffic information and parking space availability in real
time. Digital key gives owners the ability to lock, unlock and
start the vehicle with a tap of a smartphone. Designed to make life
more convenient, digital keys can also be handed over between
smartphones, making it easy for family and friends to borrow and
lend vehicles remotely. Other features of the trial subscription
include BEV specialized services such as charging station info,
driving support info and vehicle driving range.
Other notable features include:
- Over-the-air (OTA = wireless) software updates: Software
updates to improve performance are also possible for Toyota Safety
Sense and the multimedia system without needing to visit a
dealership
- Compatible with high-output chargers worldwide (capable of 80%
charge within one hour)
Safety for the Environment
By strengthening measures to help prevent and detect signs of
battery failure, and introducing new technologies, the bZ4X adopted
a design and a multiple monitoring system that is intended to
provide safety and security of the vehicle's battery system.
This includes:
- A meticulous production process that helps eliminate
contamination of battery components and ensures battery
durability
- Redundant monitoring of battery voltage, current and
temperature designed to detect signs and occurrence of abnormal
heating to help prevent overheating
- Utilization of a high-resistance coolant circulation system,
which can help prevent fire from short circuits even if there is
leakage of the battery's liquid coolant
- Integration of the high-capacity battery pack within the floor
of the body frame structure designed to protect in the event of a
collision
The bZ4X will go on sale in mid-2022. To stay up to date on
bZ4X, visit the bZ4X upcoming vehicle page here:
www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/bZ4X.
Main Specifications (Preliminary US Spec.)
|
bZ4X
(FWD)
|
bZ4X
(AWD)
|
Vehicle Weight
&
Performance
|
|
|
Vehicle
weight
|
4,232 lbs.
|
4,420 lbs.
|
Gross vehicle
weight
|
4,839 lbs.
|
5,015 lbs.
|
Minimum turning
radius
|
18.8 ft.
|
Manufacturer-estimated
range
|
Up to 250
miles
|
TBD
|
Vehicle
Dimensions
|
|
|
Length
|
184.6 in.
|
Width
|
73.2 in.
|
Height
|
64.9 in. (inc.
antenna)
|
Wheelbase
|
112.2 in.
|
Cabin length
|
76.4 in.
|
Cabin width
|
59.6 in.
|
Cabin height
|
45.0 in.
|
Seating
capacity
|
5
|
Motor
|
|
|
Type
|
AC synchronous electric
generator
|
Maximum output (front
motor)
|
150 kW
|
80 kW
|
Maximum output (rear
motor)
|
―
|
80 kW
|
Maximum output
(system)
|
150 kW
|
160 kW
|
Main drive
battery
|
|
|
Type
|
Lithium-Ion
battery
|
Total
voltage
|
355 V
|
355 V
|
Total power
|
71.4
kWh
|
72.8
kWh
|
Driving
equipment
|
|
|
Steering
|
Rack Assist Type
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
|
Suspension:
Front/Rear
|
Strut-type coil
spring/ Double wishbone-type
coil spring
|
Brakes:
Front/Rear
|
Ventilated disc /
Ventilated disc
|
Driveline
|
Front-wheel
drive
|
Four-wheel
drive
|
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly
employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed
world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30
million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including
our joint venture in Alabama that
begins production in 2021.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an
immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S.
manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free
STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota,
visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
Media Contacts:
Nicky Hamila
469-292-3596
nicky.hamila@toyota.com
Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll can be found on
ToyotaNewsroom.com
For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331
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SOURCE Toyota