Toyota's electric vehicle has been upgraded with dual battery choices, increased range, enhanced power output, and quicker charging capabilities. Here’s what the lead engineer says about these improvements.
Although Toyota maintains its dedication to various highly efficient propulsion systems for the future, the global leader in vehicle production has frequently faced accusations of Not treating the electric vehicle revolution with enough seriousness The final evidence might very well come from the Toyota bZ4X. Despite many competitors advancing rapidly with longer ranges, superior technology, specialized electric vehicle software, and quicker charging speeds, Toyota’s initial contemporary electric vehicle model seems increasingly outmatched as time goes on.
However, an unforeseen event occurred in recent years: Despite everything, the bZ4X became popular. It seems sales have taken off unexpectedly. rose sharply in the United States in 2024 Despite rigorous incentive programs, momentum is also building in Europe. For instance, in predominantly electric-powered Norway, It has become the best-selling model in the nation. Clearly, individuals desire excellent fully electric choices from the brand that introduced electrified vehicles.
2026 Toyota bZ4X Live Images
With numerous upgrades to the bZ4X this year, including increased range, faster charging, greater power, and enhanced routing options, Toyota is sending a clear message to these individuals: We understand your concerns perfectly well.
By listening to feedback from our customers, retailers, and testers reviewing our products, we've made significant improvements," stated Simon Humphries, Toyota’s Operating Officer and Chief Branding Officer, during the company's Kenshiki Forum held in Brussels recently. "These enhancements include an increase of up to 50% in power output, charging speeds that can be two times faster, and a doubling of the vehicle's towing capability.
The main designer behind the bZ4X, Masaya Uchiyama, informed InsideEVs that this vehicle was designed with comparisons to the Tesla Model Y, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Cadillac Lyriq. These are significant rivals within the electric vehicle market, where these models had generally outperformed Toyota’s previous offerings across various aspects.
Thanks to these improvements—which are anticipated to reach the U.S. market shortly—could the bZ4X finally fulfill its potential as an electric vehicle?
2026 Toyota bZ4X Live Images
Expanding Capacity: Increasing Reach and Power
Let’s begin with the key details. The bZ4X now features two entirely new battery choices. Previously, the bZ4X provided a 71.4 kWh battery for its front-wheel-drive versions and a 72.8 kWh option for its all-wheel-drive configurations.
| 2024 bZ4X | New bZ4X | |
| Battery Size | 71.4 kWh; 72.8 kWh | 57.7 kWh; 73.1 kWh |
| Range | Up to 516 kilometers (EU spec); 252 miles (U.S.). | Up to 573 kilometers according to EU specs; U.S. specifications will be announced later (~280 miles as estimated by InsideEVs). |
| Output | Up to 214 hp | Up to 343 hp |
| Max DC Charging Speed | 150 kW | 150 kW |
Now, it adheres more closely to the "large and small" approach we observe. including electric vehicles from Hyundai and other brands The base model of the bZ4X comes with a 57.7 kWh battery, whereas the upgraded version features a larger 73.1 kWh battery. (These figures represent the total capacity.)
Toyota mentions this change allows customers to choose a configuration that perfectly matches their driving needs and financial constraints. The compact battery will only be offered for the front-wheel-drive variant, whereas the bigger battery option will be accessible for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.
2026 Toyota bZ4X Live Images
The precise figures for these models have not been revealed yet, however, Toyota has stated that the bZ4X will provide an estimated range of up to 356 miles (573 kilometers) based on the European WLTP test cycle. This represents a significant enhancement from its previous maximum range of 320 miles (516 kilometers) in Europe.
The United States hasn’t released the range details yet. In the domestic market, the longest-reaching variant of the bZ4X—the XLE front-wheel-drive model—is reported to offer up to 252 miles. A rough calculation suggests that under U.S. specifications, the bZ4X might achieve around 280 miles of range. However, an official confirmation is still pending. Additionally, it remains unclear if the model with the smaller battery will reach American shores since local buyers tend to prioritize longer ranges.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Interior
Uchiyama also mentioned that the improvements extend beyond just the battery sizes. He explained, "We enhanced the energy density and packed more cells into each unit." He further noted, "Previously, the bZ4X featured a single battery with 96 cells. However, the latest model comes equipped with 104 cells per battery."
Toyota BZ4x AWD (2025)
The eAxles in the bZ4X, which is Toyota’s term for their electric motors, have undergone enhancements and now feature silicon carbide semiconductors to boost power output. What technology makes the Lexus RZ300e the most efficient electric SUV available in the U.S. market? The bZ4X currently begins with 165 horsepower for the entry-level front-wheel-drive variant, yet it can reach up to an impressive 343 horsepower for vehicles equipped with twin motors and all-wheel drive. According to the company, this makes it "one of the most potent Toyota models offered in Europe beyond their high-performance GR series."
Given that the previous bZ4X I tested offered 214 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, the updated version ought to provide significantly more power.
The towing capacity of the AWD model has been increased twofold to 3,306 lbs (1,500 kg), specifically designed to enhance caravan hauling capabilities for European customers.
Improved Charging, Preconditioning, Navigation
However, the main concern with the bZ4X isn’t its range but rather its charging capabilities. Hopefully, this problem will soon become obsolete. Toyota has significantly increased the capacity of the onboard AC charger on the premium versions from 11 kW to 22 kW, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 and similar models. If a driver manages to locate a highly potent Level 2 charger, this change could reduce the charging duration by approximately half, making the process much quicker for the bZ4X. typically took around 10 hours From its "dim lighting alert" to full brightness.
However, DC fast-charging capabilities have not been altered and remain at maximum speeds of 150 kW. This might be disappointing as many new electric vehicle alternatives can handle charges up to 200 kW or even higher. Nevertheless, Uchiyama mentioned that this does not affect the bZ4X's performance. charging curve —Its capability to maintain a high level of power for an extended period has also been enhanced, which should result in a more enjoyable experience overall.
Toyota BZ4x 2025
Uchiyama acknowledged, “Previously, we experienced a sharp increase followed by a rapid decline in the charging rate.” This meant that initially, the bZ4X reached its fastest charging speed but soon slowed down considerably, causing delays for drivers needing to recharge. He added, “Now, we have smoothed out this curve so that we maintain a higher voltage level throughout the process.”
Uchiyama mentioned that Toyota intends for the bZ4X to charge from 10% to 80% in just half an hour. Although this isn’t as rapid as the Ioniq 5’s charging speed, it represents a notable enhancement compared to previous versions where certain bZ4X models required almost an entire hour for the same process. This places the Toyota within the same charging timeframe bracket as rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Interior
More importantly, the bZ4X now comes with battery preconditioning as a standard feature, and it's activated both manually and automatically when a charging station is set in the navigation system. By warming the battery before charging, Uchiyama said, this should enable much quicker charging overall. This was added especially for those bZ4X drivers in places like Norway or Canada, he said, who struggled with charging in very cold weather.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Interior
Toyota also finally— finally —incorporated an effective electric vehicle routing feature into the navigation system. That was One of my main complaints about the earlier model of the bZ4X was If you wished to drive from New York to Boston, you previously needed to utilize Toyota's mobile application for planning your journey or locating nearby charging points because the vehicle's built-in system did not support these features. However, this has changed now. According to the company, "The navigation system will autonomously choose a path featuring suggested and easily accessible charging stations, taking into account both the current battery level and how far you can still travel." Additionally, they mentioned that this feature would soon become available for all current vehicles through a wireless software upgrade as well.
Updates Inside And Out
You'd have to have pretty impressive eyesight to immediately spot the visual differences between the updated bZ4X and the old one, but they do exist. The front end is slightly revised for what Toyota claims will be better aerodynamics for more range, but otherwise, expect no major changes.
What happens inside tells a separate tale. The complete dashboard has undergone an overhaul to distance itself from the former "cockpit" ambiance of the bZ4X model. This includes shifting the driver-oriented display screen. Below this change, you'll find the gear-selector knob relocated beneath two wireless phone charging stations. Additionally, the air vents have adopted a new design, and a standard feature now includes a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Uchiyama mentioned that people desired increased interior space, particularly for BEVs.
2026 Toyota bZ4X Live Images
Toyota representatives further mentioned that the updated bZ4X boasts a quieter interior and includes enhancements to its noise, vibration, and harshness reduction systems. Uchiyama noted that these changes will make for a more pleasant driving experience overall.
Price And Release Date
2026 Toyota bZ4X
The pricing for the revised bZ4X hasn’t been revealed yet; however, with the addition of a smaller battery choice, it might begin at a lower price point compared to its predecessor. The vehicle is anticipated to hit showrooms in Europe sometime after the summer, before the end of the year.
Toyota representatives highlighted that all these enhancements pertain specifically to the European-version model. Nonetheless, it’s quite probable that they will gradually be adopted for the U.S.-bound variant over the next few months or possibly even sooner. Upon the bZ4X making its way to the American market, given Toyota's past claims It's probable that it will come with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug as standard equipment.
This could position the bZ4X as a swifter, more potent electric vehicle offering extended range, superior navigation capabilities, and expedited charging times, along with seamless integration into the Tesla Supercharger network. Should Toyota successfully achieve this, the bZ4X might shed its reputation of being merely an overlooked alternative.
At this event, Toyota reiterated that they will introduce three additional all-electric models by 2026 to accompany the refreshed bZ4X, the new C-HR+, and the bZ5. Urban Cruiser . Another three are en route, apparently a pickup truck and at least one SUV, potentially based on the Land Cruiser Se concept .
Does Toyota seem more committed to electric vehicles now? Indeed, it appears so, which is surely good news for enthusiasts anticipating this shift.
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
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