Toyota introduces an electric C-HR and updates the bZ4X for the European market.
The bZ4X receives several much-needed upgrades.
Toyota has unveiled new updates for its electric vehicle lineup in Europe, highlighting the launch of the C-HR Plus, a fully electric version of the Toyota C-HR, as well as an improved version of the bZ4X, which addresses several shortcomings of this electric crossover. The C-HR Plus is built on Toyota's e-TNGA platform and will be available in two battery options: a 57.7 kWh battery providing a range of 455 km (approximately 283 miles) and a larger 77 kWh battery capable of traveling up to 600 km (around 373 miles). While the design features notable differences from its hybrid predecessors, it retains elements that identify it as part of the C-HR lineup.
On the other hand, the updated bZ4X, which Toyota plans to rename, will utilize the same e-TNGA platform and dual battery configuration as the C-HR Plus, although it will have a slightly smaller 73.1 kWh battery in its long-range version. This translates to a range of 445 km (approximately 276.5 miles) or 573 km (around 356 miles). These improvements in range are significant compared to the 2023 bZ4X model, which was deemed overpriced at nearly $50,000 for its performance. The previous long-range model offered an EPA-estimated range of 252 miles, which is not far from the 267 miles that Toyota claims for the base model of the bZ3X, sold in China for $15,000.
Additionally, the new version of the bZ4X will include a battery preconditioning system, a functionality that was not previously available, aimed at achieving fast charging in approximately 30 minutes, even in cold conditions defined as -10 degrees Celsius (around 14 degrees Fahrenheit). A Toyota spokesperson, Rick Bourgoise, stated that the announcements made today are exclusive to Europe and that, for now, there is no news on products for the U.S. However, given the sales performance of the bZ4X in the U.S. market, it seems likely that these updates will also be implemented in the U.S. lineup. Both models are scheduled for launch in the second half of this year in Europe.
