TOYOTA'S EV STRATEGY IS STILL INTERESTING

EV Channels Review

Toyota's electrification strategy remains a point of curiosity, as evidenced by Jordan's experience at a recent Toyota event. While the brand excels in hybrids and plug-in hybrids, its commitment to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) appears hesitant. The bZ4X, Toyota's sole EV offering, is criticized for its class-losing range, slow DC fast charging (around 85 kW peak, with limitations on charging frequency), and peculiar design choices like the steering wheel/dashboard visibility issue. Despite these shortcomings, the bZ4X is described as having a good sound system and decent software, and some owners are reportedly happy. However, the reviewer concludes that the bZ4X is too compromised to recommend, especially when compared to more affordable and capable EVs. Toyota's future plans include a three-row BEV SUV, but the company's slow progress and focus on hybrids suggest a cautious, perhaps even conservative, approach to BEVs, prioritizing battery longevity and a different definition of the EV ownership experience over outright performance and road-trip capability.