Toyota Accepts Criticism, Prepares Changes For BZ4X Electric Car And RZ Lexus

Toyota bZ4X. (Doc. Global Toyota)

JAKARTA One of the world's automotive industry leaders, Toyota continues to expand its line of environmentally friendly vehicles that include Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), to Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). However, in the BEV segment, Toyota still faces a number of challenges with its flagship model, bZ4X, and Lexus RZ from their premium brand.

Both models are known to have distances that are considered less competitive than some rivals in the global market. This sparked criticism from consumers and automotive observers.

Toyota Motor North America's President and CEO, Total Ogawa, when interviewed by the media at the CES 2025 exhibition, said it understood some criticisms for the electric vehicle line.

"For comments about Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ, we received some criticism and appreciated these inputs, for example about the high price or less distance," Ogawa said as quoted by InsideEVs, Thursday, January 9.

"We have identified the criticism. So, we will continue to make improvements based on the input we hear," added Ogawa.

Since its first launch in 2022, bZ4X has experienced a number of updates in the United States market, including an increase in DC's rapid charging speed, price drops, and the addition of new features. In addition, Toyota is reportedly considering a name change for the bZ4X model with an official announcement predicted to take place in the second half of this year.

For those who don't know, the naming of bZ4X means a special meaning: "bZ" stands for Beyond Zero, the number "4" represents the size of the vehicle, and the letter "X" refers to the type crossover. Although it has an interesting meaning, this name is considered unable to fully attract consumer attention.

In the Indonesian market, Toyota bZ4X is available through Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM). This electric car is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 71.4 kWh which is capable of producing a maximum power of 150 kW and a torque of 266.3 Nm. With an acceleration of 0-100 km/hour in just 8.3 seconds, this vehicle offers quite impressive performance.

Then the question of the distance itself is actually not disappointing with a distance of 500 km in one full charge where on average other electric cars are currently at 400 km. However, with a price tag of IDR 1.2 billion On The Road, this car is in the premium segment which certainly faces its own challenges in the country's automotive market. In the future, Toyota's consumer response and planned changes will be the determining factor for bZ4X travel in the global and domestic markets.