TOYOTA DEBUTS ELECTRIC C-HR AND BZ WOODLAND, GM UNVEILS LMR BATTERY

EV Channels Review

Toyota has unveiled the new C-HR BEV, a significant step up from its previous EV efforts. The vehicle boasts a powerful 338 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, promising a fun driving experience. While its 74.7 kWh battery offers a respectable 290 miles of range, the reviewer notes that efficiency is not class-leading, and charging from 10-80% takes a comparable 30 minutes to Tesla. The interior design, particularly the steering wheel with its numerous buttons, is criticized for being overwhelming and aesthetically dated, though the landscape screen and physical controls are appreciated. The BZ Woodland variant offers more power (375 hp) and utility features. A major concern for the reviewers is Toyota's continued public skepticism towards EVs, with executives frequently promoting hybrids over battery-electric vehicles. This corporate stance, coupled with pricing concerns (estimated to be around $45,000), makes it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend the C-HR despite its performance upgrades.