The 2023 Toyota bZ4X's Charging Speed Plummets


 From MotorTrend's 2023 Toyota bZ4X first drive, we generally like the futuristic feel and driving dynamic of Toyota's first major small electric SUV. However, its EPA-rated range and DC fast capability are not up to our expectations. In a recent Toyota press release which highlights five things to know about the bZ4X, there's some hidden disappointing information about DC fast charging limitations.

First, we'd point out that many manufacturers fast charging time/rate claim is based under ideal conditions. Understandably, there are many real world variables that can affect fast charging. So according to Toyota, "as temperatures decrease below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, charging time will increase significantly… and DC charging more than twice per day also can negatively affect charging time."

And on the AWD variant of bZ4X, which has a different battery pack than FWD model, Toyota straight up says DC charging may not work when below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing point). We appreciate Toyota's honesty on this matter because buyers from colder climate regions can simply scratch off the bZ4X AWD from their list if they also need to regularly rely on DC charging. Although it's a head scratcher for us why Toyota would build an AWD EV that cannot DC fast charge in snowy weather. That's the drivetrain people would buy for cold winter, right?

We also went hands on and tested the fast charging capability of the bZ4X AWD, in Los Angeles Spring weather. During a night with ambient temperature at 64 degrees Fahrenheit, we plugged in the small electric SUV to an Electrify America 150kW DC charger after driving it for about 45 minutes to make sure the battery pack wasn't dead cold. While charging, we never saw the spec sheet's claimed 100kW max charging rate.

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