so the capacity of the Toyota is only 44kw, hardly impressive.
Toyota Bz4X spec sheet says 71.4 kWh.
Other specs I noticed while looking this up:
- the AWD version is only 160kW vs 150kW for 2WD (which is front wheel drive not rear wheel drive). So unlike Tesla, the AWD doesn't get you a sportier vehicle, just better traction.
- the AWD version is symmetrical AWD (80kW front and rear) - I'm sure this is Subaru's influence, as this has always been one of their selling points. They are PM Synchronous motors front and rear, unlike Tesla AWD 3/Y which uses induction in the front, and only when power required or slippage.
- while the battery chemistry is not specified, the voltage per cell is listed as 3.7V, which likely makes it a nickel-based chemistry, not LFP (which is usually quoted as around 3.2V nominal). This means that charging to 100% is less advisable, with the associated impact on range depending on your driving profiles.
- DC max charging rate is 150kW (c.f. Tesla LFP is 170kW and Tesla NMC is 250kw I think). However charging rates above 150kW are rarely seen except in the low SOC for a few minutes, so this is unlikely to have an impact. Some vehicles on the market are much less.
- 2WD model has WLTP range of 436km - about 15% less than the 513km in the current Model 3 RWD, despite an extra 11kWh of battery underneath. (They also quote a WLTP efficiency of 169 Wh/km, but 169x436 = 73.7kWh, so maybe that battery capacity of 71.4 quoted earlier is actually the usable capacity with a 2.3kWh buffer on top, or I don't understand basic mathematics.) The Model 3 at 60.5/513=118 Wh/km. There is a huge difference in efficiency.
- AWD model has WLTP range of 411km - this is 23% less than the 533 km in the current Model Y LR (a fairer comparison), with a smaller battery underneath. (They also quote a WLTP efficiency of 181 Wh/km, but 181x411 = 74.4kWh, so my maths is getting even worse).
- DAB radio. No mention of AM/FM. Is this because it goes with saying that it has AM/FM, or does it really not have it? Tesla doesn't have an AM radio and that's annoying.
- 20" rims. Really? In a vehicle with 3 off-road modes?
- No spare... (sigh)
- Ground clearance: 2WD/AWD: 182/212 mm (c.f. Model 3/Y: 140/167 mm) - finally a win! 45mm extra clearance for AWD vs MY. This will be something that is contributing to the lower efficiency, but at least the ground clearance is compatible with the SUV or soft roader intent of the vehicle.
Not many vehicles can out-do Tesla in range, and I wouldn't expect a vehicle that maintains the classic "appearance" of a RAV4/Forester to do so. The rule of thumb I have developed to convert WLTP to real-world highway driving in a southern-Australian winter is to knock off a third. So an AWD Bz4X real world range is closer to 275km (compared to my 2023 RWD Model 3 which does about 330km).