Toyota's all-electric bZ4X made its first US production model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. bZ4X is the first in a global series of pure electric vehicles launched under the global "Toyota bZ" brand. For XLE front-wheel drive models, the manufacturer of bZ4X estimates a cruising range of up to 250 miles.

bZ4X joins Toyota's Toyota electric vehicle lineup, which together account for more than 24% of Toyota's total US sales. These include hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles.

Toyota plans to expand to approximately 70 electric models worldwide by 2025. This future lineup will include 15 dedicated BEVs, 7 of which bear the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand name. This diverse electrification product portfolio will help drive Toyota to achieve its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The bZ4X’s lithium-ion battery pack is built on the BEV’s dedicated e-TNGA platform. This is Toyota’s first platform. Its lithium-ion battery pack is placed flat under the floor and its center of gravity is low. Its maneuverability is partly due to the battery's lateral frame structure, which increases the rigidity of the overall vehicle. The adoption of a lightweight body structure partially made of high-strength steel, and the reinforcement of the battery pack and frame components around the front and rear suspension also contribute to the bZ4X's agile response.

In addition, the redesigned accelerator pedal creates a smoother feeling when accelerating and decelerating, and the smart accelerator with anti-skid function can provide control on wet and slippery roads.

The engineering team is also focusing on features that maximize energy saving and driving mileage throughout the year (especially in winter environments). In addition to aerodynamic design choices and efforts to reduce weight, the following systems and equipment have also been adopted to reduce energy consumption, especially electricity used for heating in cold climates:

In terms of battery safety, Toyota has added many measures to help ensure battery integrity is protected. Non-conductive coolant flows through separate flow channels to maintain the optimal battery temperature. The battery pack shell adopts a frame and cross-support design, which can withstand collisions at any angle.

bZ4X will be the first to adopt the latest Toyota Safety Sense safety suite (TSS 3.0). The system has been improved by expanding the detection range of millimeter-wave radar and monocular cameras. Toyota has improved the performance of various functions and added new functions to assist normal driving conditions. For example, the pre-collision system has been improved to provide low-light rider detection, daytime motorcyclist detection, and guardrail detection. In addition, lane recognition has been enhanced to add improved features in lane tracking assist mode.

By strengthening measures to help prevent and detect signs of battery failure, and introducing new technologies, bZ4X adopts a design and multiple monitoring system designed to provide safety guarantees for vehicle battery systems.

The meticulous production process helps to eliminate the pollution of battery components and ensure the durability of the battery.

Redundant monitoring of battery voltage, current, and temperature is designed to detect signs and occurrences of abnormal heating to help prevent overheating.

Using a high-resistance coolant circulation system, even if the battery coolant leaks, it can prevent a short circuit from causing a fire.

The high-capacity battery pack is integrated into the floor of the body frame structure to provide protection in the event of a collision.

bZ4X will go on sale in mid-2022.

Published on November 18, 2021 in Electric (Battery) | Permalink | Comments (0)

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