“[Toyota bZ4X] Offered through subs and lease sales, accepting applications for 3,000 units starting May 12, 2022 4/12/2022 16:30 PM
Toyota bZ4X Z (Black and Precious Metal) .
Toyota Motor Corporation launched the new “”bZ4X”” EV on May 12. It will be offered through the subscriber KINTO for individuals and through leases from Toyota Rent-A-Lease dealers and Toyota Mobility Service for corporate customers.
The bZ4X is the first Toyota model to adopt the EV-specific platform developed jointly with Subaru, which pursues the smooth and unrestricted driving performance unique to EVs and the driving performance of a full-fledged SUV. The price is 6 million yen for the FWD version and 6.5 million yen for the 4WD version. The second phase will begin in early fall, and applications will be accepted in subsequent phases, with production and sales of 5,000 units planned for the first year.
High driving performance beyond EV expectations; 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds
Toyota and Subaru jointly developed an EV-specific platform that forms the basis for all EVs, incorporating the requirements unique to EVs and adopting a platform with a low center of gravity and high rigidity. To achieve a low center of gravity, a thin, high-capacity battery pack with a total power capacity of 71.4 kWh is placed under the floor and mounted flat, and Toyota’s first use of the e-Axle, which integrates the motor, transaxle, and inverter, and the Electric Supply Unit (ESU), which integrates charging and power distribution functions.
To increase rigidity, a body structure using hot-stamped materials and high-tensile steel plates was adopted for major skeletal parts, and the rigidity of various parts was improved, including the battery pack and its surroundings, the BEV unit and radiator mounting area, and the front and rear suspension areas.
The FWD model has one motor with a maximum output of 150 kW at the front, and the 4WD model has one motor with a maximum output of 80 kW each at the front and rear. 0-100 km/h acceleration is 7.5 seconds for the FWD model and 6.9 seconds for the 4WD model. In addition to quick response and linear acceleration, the FWD model offers highly precise power output control, including control of acceleration and deceleration, reduction of driver pedal operation, and slip suppression control on slippery road surfaces.
The 4WD models feature independent control of the front and rear motors for improved turning and handling stability. The X-MODE, Subaru’s integrated vehicle control technology with newly added grip control, is also employed. By taking advantage of the motor-driven characteristics, the 4WD can be used for everything from daily use to light off-road driving and beyond, achieving a high level of driving performance that exceeds the expectations of EVs.
A driving range of 559 km per charge is secured.
In addition to the pursuit of aerodynamic performance and weight reduction of the body and units, the bZ4X features heat-pump air conditioning, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and radiant heaters for the front seat occupants’ feet to reduce power consumption for heating in the winter. The one-charge driving range (WLTC mode) is 559 km for FWD models and 540 km for AWD models.
Charging is compatible with high-power recharging in various regions around the world: DC quick recharging is compatible with 150 kW, and a 90 kW charger can recharge up to 80% in 40 minutes. In normal recharging (200 V, 6 kW, 30 A), full recharging is possible in about 12 hours. The car is also equipped with a roof solar panel that generates electricity equivalent to 1,750 km of driving range in a year, or approximately 11.6 km per day at maximum. In addition to contributing to an excellent cruising range, the solar panels can be used to recharge the battery in parking lots where there are no recharging stations, or in emergency situations such as disasters.
The car is also equipped with a DC external power supply function that is useful for outdoor activities and emergencies such as disasters. Large output power can be supplied to homes and home appliances. When used in conjunction with home solar power generation, solar power generation can supply electricity to the house during the day, and surplus power can be used to recharge the vehicle through the power feeder. At night, the electricity stored in the vehicle can be used to power the home.
The bZ4X is designed with enhanced measures to “”prevent”” and “”detect signs”” of battery failure, as well as new technologies and a multiple monitoring system to ensure safety and security in the event of an emergency situation. Thorough manufacturing process to eliminate contamination of foreign matter after designing to prevent abnormal heat generation even if foreign matter, which can cause abnormal cell heat generation, is mixed in. Multiple monitoring of battery voltage, current, and temperature to detect signs of abnormal heat generation and prevent it.
Combining the uniqueness of an EV with the power of an SUV
The design theme is “”Hi-Tech and Emotion,”” a challenge to create a form that combines the advanced feel of an EV with the inherent beauty of a car, aiming for styling that combines advanced sleekness with SUV-like power and strength.
The side view is a new silhouette that combines sleek proportions and a lifted SUV-like appearance, taking advantage of the long wheelbase with tires positioned at the four corners. The front view adopts a design that differs from the center-emphasis theme that symbolized the radiator of previous vehicles. The corners with aerodynamic items woven into them, the bumper shape that is thin at the top and bottom, and the characteristic hammerhead shape that continues from the hood to the top of the headlamps emphasize the EV’s uniqueness. The rear combination lamps, back doors, and bumpers have a trapezoidal theme that moves toward the tires, expressing a low center of gravity and a powerful stance.
Open interior space, digital key and many other state-of-the-art technologies
The vehicle measures 4,690 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, and its EV-specific platform creates a spacious interior that is one class above the rest. The distance between the front and rear seats is 1,000 mm, equivalent to that of a D-segment sedan. The legroom is also the widest in the middle SUV class. The fabric upholstered instrument panel is positioned low to create a relaxed interior with a sense of freedom. Highly sound-insulating glass and reduced wind noise ensure a quiet cabin that allows clear conversation even while driving.
The cockpit features Toyota’s first top-mounted gauges, which are positioned so that the gauges are visible through the upper side of the steering wheel. The emphasis was placed on ease of viewing, with less eye movement and a distant view point. The driving controls, including the steering column, are modularized for ease of operation. A feather-like shape is adopted to encourage the driver to guide the line of sight from the hand to the meter.
The one-motion grip, which combines steer-by-wire (the timing of its launch in the Japanese market is still being worked out) and an odd-shaped steering wheel, is adopted for the first time in a Toyota. The steering wheel rotation angle is set at approximately ±150° without the need to change the steering wheel, reducing the driver’s workload when making U-turns, entering garages, or driving on winding roads. In addition, independent control of steering torque and tire rolling angle improves the steering feel, and the steering characteristics are changed in conjunction with the drive mode select. Tire movement is controlled to ensure vehicle stability even when the vehicle is going over uneven road surfaces or when lane tracing assist is activated. One-motion grips provide more legroom, allowing for a more flexible driving position and improved ease of getting in and out of the vehicle.
The infotainment system employs a connected navigation system that uses map information in the cloud to obtain real-time traffic information and parking space availability information. In addition to the usual navigation functions, the system also supports EV-specific functions such as mobility assistance, charging facility display, and cruising range area display. In addition, the wiper, air conditioner, and other functions can be operated by voice, and software updates can be performed via OTA (over-the-air communication). In addition, the car features in-vehicle Wi-Fi, which allows unlimited Internet access for smartphones, game consoles, etc., with unlimited data transmission capacity. In addition, the car is equipped with a digital key that allows the driver to lock, unlock, and start the system without having to operate the screen as long as the driver is carrying a smartphone.
Pursuit of preventive and collision safety performance
The bZ4X features the evolved Toyota Safety Sense system. The new system improves the performance of each function by expanding the detection range of the millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera, and adds new functions to provide assistance on ordinary roads.
The “”pre-crash safety”” system extends the detection range to include vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycles (daytime), and contributes to collision avoidance or damage mitigation. The system provides expanded assistance at intersections where a high percentage of accidents occur. Proactive Driving Assist”” supports steering and braking operations to avoid getting too close to pedestrians, bicycles, and parked vehicles by anticipating risks according to the driving situation. The system supports deceleration maneuvers for vehicles ahead and curves in front of the vehicle, reducing the need for frequent stepping over the wheel.
The EV unit compartment is equipped with a cross skeleton that rigidly connects the left and right front side members to improve energy absorption efficiency in the event of a collision. Two cross members are placed in front of the vehicle to reduce the possibility of harm to the other vehicle. A strong frame framework is formed on the front side of the cabin to realize full mounting of the battery pack under the floor. In order to stably protect the cabin and battery pack in both frontal and side collisions, the structure is designed to distribute the input load in the event of a collision to multiple paths.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”
