Toyota Australia is poised to make an impact in the Australian electric vehicle (EV) market with its upcoming 2024 bZ4X – the country's first battery-operated electric vehicle offering from Toyota.
The all-new mid-size electric SUV aims to rival Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)'s Model Y, Australia's top-selling SUV in 2023.
Scheduled for a February release next year, the bZ4X promises higher quality, reliability, durability, and resale value than its competitors.
Outclass rivals
The bZ4X will feature batteries produced by Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), a joint-venture between Toyota and Panasonic.
Speaking during a media tour in Japan, Toyota Australia's Vice President of Sales, Sean Hanley, emphasised that the batteries will outclass those of rival EVs due to strict quality control measures.
"Each of the batteries built here is tested for an extensive period – not just days, but weeks.
That means constant charging, discharging and recharging before they are ever fitted to a customer car," Hanley stated.
Enhanced battery longevity and consistent performance
PPES' stringent quality control process involves multiple charging and discharging cycles over a 20-day period, doubling some competitors' standards.
This contributes to enhanced battery longevity and consistent performance. While warranty details for the bZ4X in Australia are pending, Toyota UK offers a 10-year battery warranty, subject to health checks.
In addition to quality, Toyota's bZ4X is expected to excel in resale value. Hanley pointed to a UK study showing that EVs depreciate 51% in three years as opposed to 37% for petrol cars. He stressed that Toyota's longstanding expertise in electrification enables the company to counter such trends effectively.
Beyond Zero initiative
Toyota aims to launch three EVs in Australia by 2026 and seven globally under its 'beyond Zero' initiative.
Specifications for the updated Australian model remain undisclosed, but the company is actively exploring performance upgrades for its 71.4 kWh battery.
With these moves, Toyota looks set to challenge existing EV norms while bolstering its own legacy of quality and reliability.