FDM tested two- and all-wheel drive versions of the electric Toyota SUV and both failed to hit their range targets by dozens of kilometers. The two-wheel drive bZ has an official WLTP range of 504 km (313 miles) but could only travel 246 km (153 miles) before needing a charge, meaning it delivered less than 49 percent of its claimed range. The all-wheel drive version fared even worse, throwing in the towel after just 215 km (134 miles) when Toyota's WLTP figures say it should be good for 461 km (287 miles). That equates to less than 47 percent of the claimed range.
The WLTP figures are well-known to be optimistic, and the test was done in Scandinavia during winter. However, we're not talking about below freezing temperatures; the range numbers were achieved at a balmy 4 degrees Celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Most notably, the Toyotas didn't do as well against other electric cars that were tested by the magazine under similar conditions. In comparison, a Tesla Model Y Long Range achieved 221 miles (355 km) instead of its official 315-mile (507 km) rating, meaning it performed at 70 percent capacity. Additionally, both the Mercedes EQA and Volkswagen ID.4 weren't far behind at 67 percent each.
Toyota spokespeople have given their thoughts on the matter. The spokesman for Denmark's importer said that Toyota is investigating in both Tokyo and Brussels (Toyota's European headquarters) why the figures from independent tests differ so much from those reported.
"One explanation may be that the buffer (hidden reserve, ed.) put into the battery may differ from those of competitors. And the key question is whether something can be done to make the customer experience different.", - says the press officer. A preliminary conclusion is expected as early as next week.
Source: FDM