Toyota bZ4X battery improvements detailed

TOYOTA says its global experience in battery research and production over more than a quarter of a century will benefit Australian customers of its fully electric bZ4X SUV when it goes on sale in February.

The all-electric SUV – which was developed in conjunction with the Subaru Solterra – is set to benefit from the learnings and expertise from the manufacture of more than 20 million batteries since the mid-1990s, mostly deployed in hybrid-electric vehicles.

According to Toyota, the latest enhancements to the battery pack of the bZ4X improve its effectiveness and real-world range by incorporating software changes aimed at conserving battery power by “optimally controlling, and reducing the car’s dependence on, the climate control system”.

The revised system now automatically defaults to Auto (Eco) mode to reduce the amount of power drawn from the car’s battery. Further power savings are achieved in cooler weather by prioritising heating of the front seats and steering wheel to support the desired ambient temperature.

A humidity sensor also contributes by detecting fogging on the windscreen and more precisely controlling the timing of fresh air drawn from outside of the vehicle.

Drivers will have access to additional information about the battery state of charge, via a 7.0-inch colour multi-information display. They can check the estimated time needed to recharge the battery to 80 per cent and view the remaining range based on whether the climate control system is switched on or off.

Toyota says charging times have been shortened in extreme cold weather by as much as 30 per cent due to improved battery warm-up performance.

Locally, the bZ4X will be offered in two configurations: a 150kW/266Nm single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and a 160kW/337Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). Both versions are equipped with a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery with an AC charging capacity of 11kW and DC charging capacity of 150kW.

A high level of standard features includes LED lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels, sports seats with premium fabric and synthetic leather trim, and heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver.

Comfort and convenience appointments include dual-zone climate control, keyless smart entry and start, and a 12.3-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, along with an extensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features.

AWD versions gain further features including roof rails and spoiler, fixed panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats, full synthetic leather trim, wireless phone charger, JBL premium audio system and X-Mode off-tarmac drive system with Snow/Dirt, Deep Snow/Mud, and Grip Control modes.

Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley says the bZ4X batteries feature stand-out performance, safety and reliability, while at the same time noting advanced features, cutting-edge production techniques and strict quality-control measures that set Toyota batteries apart from their rivals.

“Before they are ever fitted to a car, each of the bZ4X batteries undergoes extensive testing – a vital process for confirming battery performance and reliability,” he said.

Further details of the Toyota bZ4X will be announced when the model arrives in local dealerships next month (February).