Toyota introduces zero emissions range 2024

Toyota adds the Beyond Zero range to its line-up next year, starting with the battery electric vehicle (BEV) bZ4X which arrives in New Zealand from early 2024.

The Beyond Zero premise is for human-centric vehicles that transform how people interact with vehicles, others, and society.

The Toyota bZ series will introduce new driving experiences, new technologies to connect with each other, a zero emissions performance, and a zero-harm experience with additional safety features.

Toyota New Zealand new vehicles vice president Steve Prangnell says the aim is not just to create electric vehicles that eliminate emissions, but to also offer new mobility solutions and maintain an enjoyable driving experience.

“We are aiming to create value for people and the planet beyond zero emissions,” he explains.

“The Toyota bZ4X SUV is the first of a range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that we will launch in NZ, which will appeal to everyday New Zealanders.”

 The Toyota bZ4X is similar in size to the RAV4 and will be available in two models – the front-wheel bZ4X Pure and all-wheel drive bZ4X Motion.

Both have an underfloor lithium-ion 71.4kWh battery, which can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes at a 150kW charging station.

Prangnell says Toyota has created a BEV that is easy to drive.

“While it is packed with new technology, including our third-generation active safety systems, it drives like any other Toyota – you don’t have to learn a new way of driving or worry about how the software works.

“Just jump in the car and drive it with hardly any learning curve at all.”

 The BEV will be offered through Toyota’s 60 nationwide stores.

“Toyota is entering the global BEV market with the customer experience at the forefront of our strategy, and it is the same in NZ,” says Prangnell.

“We are investing in wrap-around support for customers and the new bZ series, with a comprehensive customer benefits program, specialist Store sales staff, technicians, plus chargers at all of our Stores.”

 Toyota New Zealand says the bZ series will play an important role in the company’s science based commitment to reduce tailpipe emissions from its portfolio by a minimum of 46% by 2030.

Globally, Toyota sees the bZ range growing in popularity and reducing worldwide carbon emissions as the company works towards a net zero carbon position by 2050.

Toyota bZ4X numbers will initially be limited, so potential owners should sign up now for updates on the Toyota New Zealand website or speak to their local Toyota Store.