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Article By John Redfern

Toyota reveals details of new electric bZ4X SUV

Due for launch next month, the bZ4X will be Toyota’s first mass-produced battery electric vehicle.

Toyota’s all-new bZ4X electric SUV will officially be launched next month.

After years of success with hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, it marks the Japanese brand’s first major step into the electric arena.

The bZ4X launches both Toyota’s new electric platform and its dedicated ‘beyond Zero’ sub-brand for electric vehicles.

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With so many years of battery experience, Toyota promises the bZ4X will retain 90 percent of its range and performance after 10 years.

Both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions will be offered, each with the same 71.4kWh battery pack. Depending on the model chosen, this can deliver a range of up to 310 miles.

A roof with solar panels to help recharge the battery will be offered as an option. Fast-charging from a 150 kW device can offer 80 percent of a full charge in 30 minutes.

The e-TNGA electric platform beneath the bZ4X has been developed in partnership with Subaru. Subaru’s own version, the Solterra, will be released later.

One of the most radical options for the bZ4X will be a yoke-style steering wheel. Similar to the one found in the Tesla Model S, it will be fitted to bZ4X models that use a steer-by-wire system.

This removes a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the tyres, reducing the amount of effort needed.

Owners of the bZ4X benefit from over-the-air software updates, while the multimedia system will be cloud-based for real-time updates.

Toyota will announce more information about the bZ4X on 2 December, ahead of online reservations being taken. The first finished vehicles are expected for delivery in mid-2022.

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