Toyota dismisses concerns about bZ4X charge speed issues

Toyota has confirmed that UK market versions of its bZ4X all-electric SUV will be equipped with different battery packs to North American models, which have come under scrutiny for slow charging speeds. The Japanese brand has been criticised by a number of media outlets in the US following the car’s launch with outlets such as Motor Trend and Out of Spec highlighting the poor charging performance of AWD models. The brand attracted further concern after it introduced a disclaimer highlighting the fact that US-spec AWD models (which are fitted with a 72.8kWh pack made by CATL) would charge significantly slower in freezing temperatures.  

However, a spokesperson for Toyota UK has confirmed to Electrifying.com that UK-market AWD models will be equipped with the same Panasonic battery pack as the front-wheel drive version. This means that UK buyers will be able to charge at 150kW, regardless of which model they choose. Toyota UK also revealed that the pack will not have the same temperature-related concerns as the US-specification model. 

The new Toyota bZ4X is priced from £41,950 for the entry-level front-wheel drive model, while prices for the AWD variant start from £48,350.  The all-electric SUV has a driving range of up to 317 miles with front-wheel drive and up to 285 miles with all-wheel drive. First customer deliveries are expected next month. 

Read our first drive of the prototype car [HERE]

UK-spec Toyota bZ4X AWD models will be able to charge at 150kW and have 285 miles of WLTP range