Toyota unveils RHD bZ4X electric SUV in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota has some good plans for the masses in Thailand as it has showcased the right-hand-drive version of its bZ4X electric SUV in the country. The unveiling coincided with the Japanese automaker’s 60th-anniversary in Thailand. Initially unveiled last year as a concept car, Toyota's bZ4X is finally making its way onto worldwide markets, with deliveries in Japan, Europe, and the US starting next spring.

Headlight Magazine posted these photos of a right-hand drive, likely in Japanese specs. According to the portal, bZ4X will be available in the land of smiles by the end of the year. Toyota has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with government agencies regarding electric vehicle support, allowing the car to be priced below 2 million baht (SGD80,670).

Based on this price, it should be comparable with the bZ4X in the United Kingdom, where it retails at approximately £41,950 (SGD72,655). Nonetheless, one should note that the car is cheaper in the US at USD42,000 (SGD57,986), as well as in Japan at 6 million yen (SGD63,304). However, the SUV can only be leased in Japan.

Developed in conjunction with Subaru, the bZ4X is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (e-TNGA). AWD versions of the Pleiades Solterra will also have Pleiades' X-Mode technology with Grip Control, increasing traction on slippery surfaces. Measuring 4,690mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,650mm tall, the bZ4X features a wheelbase of 2,850mm. In comparison to the RAV4, the bZ4X is 90 mm longer. Also, its wheelbase is 160mm longer than the RAV4.

Globally, the Toyota bZ4X is available in two versions: a front-wheel-drive version that comes with a single electric motor putting out 204PS and 265Nm of torque and an all-wheel-drive version with two motors for a total system output of 218PS and 336Nm.

On the dual-motor setup, the 71kWh lithium-ion battery can deliver a range of 470 km, while on the single-motor setup, it can return 516km on a single charge. DC fast charging can reach 150 kW, charging the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes, while AC charging up to 6.6 kW and an onboard charger of 11 kW will be added later.

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