Toyota is changing the batteries in the 2024 models???

[bZ4X]

Hello, 

If you have contacted your dealer recently, can anyone confirm this?

 

[philip42h]

I know nothing, but I very much doubt it ...

There's a lot of wild speculation and misinformation from the comments in the "mag" article - which was written in 2022 and hasn't been updated since.

The Toyota Europe site hasn't got any news of a new MY24 bz4x model, and the Toyota’s advanced battery technology roadmap article written in September 2023 talks about changes from 2026.

It is quite possible that Toyota will introduce batteries from new / different suppliers but there is no evidence of a proposed change of spec ...

[Roy124]

The newer hybrid batteries are said to be lighter, by a little bit and greater capacity, by a little bit.

More a refinement than a step change.

[bZ4X]

2 hours ago, philip42h said:

I know nothing, but I very much doubt it ...

There's a lot of wild speculation and misinformation from the comments in the "mag" article - which was written in 2022 and hasn't been updated since.

The Toyota Europe site hasn't got any news of a new MY24 bz4x model, and the Toyota’s advanced battery technology roadmap article written in September 2023 talks about changes from 2026.

It is quite possible that Toyota will introduce batteries from new / different suppliers but there is no evidence of a proposed change of spec ...

They may consider offering higher capacity trims maybe? Long range versions... 

[philip42h]

3 minutes ago, bZ4X said:

They may consider offering higher capacity trims maybe? Long range versions... 

Of course they may - but there's absolutely no sign of them doing so for 2024 as things currently stand ...

[Cyker]

Given that information came from a dealer, probably from a salesman, I'd take it with a pinch of salt...

[wivenhoe]

What Car publishes forthcoming upgrades / new models. There is no mention of a 2024 upgrade other than a new BZ Model - 

[Proof]

As others have said this guy is a salesman, be interesting to see if this actually happens.

[ernieb]

Previous statements have suggested '25/26 for the new batteries. But it may well be that they are going to focus in the short term on an alternative supply chain to improve the Toyota EV models range.  As far as I can see pure speculation at this point in time but who knows.............

[wivenhoe]

Similar to the new BZ model, Lexus have announced in Japan a cheaper version of the RZ - a 300e as opposed to the 450e. The announcement includes details of improved Battery range and charging - The WLTC certified range has increased by more than 100 miles to 360  

In this partial improvement, we have adopted a "Battery rapid temperature rise system" that contributes to improving rapid charging speed. By shortening the quick charging time at low outside temperatures, it contributes to improved usability for customers.

A rapid Battery temperature rise system has been adopted for the large capacity battery exclusively for BEVs. This improves the path for transmitting heat from the air conditioning heater to the battery mounted under the vehicle floor, minimizing heat loss, quickly raising the temperature of the battery when it is cold, and improving charging speed. This is what makes it happen. This reduces rapid charging time under low outside temperatures, contributing to improved usability for customers.

[egg]

Interesting, so they are just removing the small motor from the rear of the drivetrain, so it's basically a FWD BZ4X with a Lexus Badge.

Guessing WLTP range is going to be very similar to the FWD BZ4X, even with the inverter that drives the front motor using a SiC element (silicon carbide) with low power loss.

Same Battery but improved ability to heat up the Battery for faster charging in cold weather. 

Guessing this improved Battery heating could possibly be coming to the 2024 model year BZ4X

[egg]

Approximate charging time from when the drive Battery charge warning light turns on to approximately 80% SOC (State of Charge) ^*
* The charging time is only a guideline and may vary depending on conditions such as outside temperature and charger specifications.

Not sure why they've only shown charging times for 50Kw and 90Kw chargers

[bZ4X]

https://media.toyota.co.uk/toyota-previews-expanded-dedicated-bev-line-up-and-advanced-battery-technologies/

 

... Next generation batteries beyond 2026... 

[wivenhoe]

8 hours ago, egg said:

Approximate charging time from when the drive battery charge warning light turns on to approximately 80% SOC (State of Charge) ^*
* The charging time is only a guideline and may vary depending on conditions such as outside temperature and charger specifications.

Not sure why they've only shown charging times for 50Kw and 90Kw chargers

I suspect because they are more prevalent in Japan - the charging port is CHAdeMO and here those tend to be 50kw or 100kw rather than ultra speeds.

[wivenhoe]

8 hours ago, egg said:

Interesting, so they are just removing the small motor from the rear of the drivetrain, so it's basically a FWD BZ4X with a Lexus badge.

Guessing WLTP range is going to be very similar to the FWD BZ4X, even with the inverter that drives the front motor using a SiC element (silicon carbide) with low power loss.

Same battery but improved ability to heat up the battery for faster charging in cold weather. 

Guessing this improved battery heating could possibly be coming to the 2024 model year BZ4X

Unlike the BZ the RZ 450e has two motors the same size. In the ‘get you home mode’ it switches off the rear motor to give more range. The 360 mile range is about 100 miles greater than the 450e. 

[egg]

2 hours ago, wivenhoe said:

Unlike the BZ the RZ 450e has two motors the same size. In the ‘get you home mode’ it switches off the rear motor to give more range. The 360 mile range is about 100 miles greater than the 450e. 

The Fwd BZ4X has a 150Kw motor at the front

The 4wd BZ4X has an 80Kw motor at the front and back to create 160Kw

The RZ450e has the 150Kw motor up front and the 80Kw motor at the back to create 230Kw

The removal of the rear motor and redesigned back end of the Rz300e is supposed to shave about 300kgs off the weight.

It also sounds like the inverter is slightly more efficient.

I believe the 360ish miles quoted for WLTC is for the Japanese test cycle which yields greater mileage results. 

I genuinely believe it's WLTP test results will be closer to the circa 315 miles WLTP rated range of the BZ4X we use in Europe

[egg]

That should be 100Kg lighter not 300Kg 😄

[wivenhoe]

Thanks for the knowledgeable input