Service FAQs

Below are some answers to some frequently asked servicing and technical questions. These include some hints and tips on how to maximise your understanding and enjoyment of bZ4X.

“Does the bZ4X have a thermal management system? What isthe benefit?”

The bZ4X’s battery has an exceptional thermal management system which employs liquid-cooling and ensures all cells are cooled/heated evenly.

Combined with other battery protection measures, this provides optimum performance during use and also the most efficient charging times. 

 

“How is the ‘indicated’ /‘estimated’ range shown on the bZ4X’s driver display calculated?”

Indicated, or ‘estimated’ range is located on the driver’s display and also in the MyToyota app home screen. As the name suggests, this figure is simply an estimation of range, based on:

  • Previous consumption (over the last 10 journeys).
  • Battery conditions and the current charge level.
  • Current driving and environmental conditions (driving style, power usage, ambient temperature, road surface, current device usage etc).
  • Current HVAC usage (assumes current HVAC usage will continue for whole journey, reducing range accordingly).

Note: The range figure displayed does not include the ‘safety reserve’ beyond 0 miles.

“What is the purpose of the On-Board Charger (OBC)?”

All batteries require DC power (Direct Current) for storage. When charging using an AC power (Alternating Current) source, such as a home wallbox or at a public AC charger, the power needs to be converted to DC before it can be stored.

This is the role of the On-Board Charger. It converts AC to DC, for storage in the battery. A great example of this process is when charging your mobile phone or laptop. The plug ‘adapter’ provided with the device converts the power from AC (eg. from a domestic plug socket) to DC for storage in the phone’s battery.

The ‘rating’ of the On-Board Charger describes the maximum amount of power, in kilowatts, that it can convert from AC to DC in 1 hour.  For the bZ4X, this is 11kW (or 7kW for some early MY22 models).

“What is the service schedulefor the bZ4X?”

Servicing is required every 12 months/10,000 miles.

“What is the cost to servicethe bZ4X?”

Service pricing, if booked on an individual service basis, is as follows (March 2024):

Intermediate Service: £150
Full Service: £245

Service plans are available for the bZ4X if taken within 3 months of purchase.

This can be arranged by your Toyota centre, with pricing from £16.66 (March 2024). For further information on Service plans, please click here. 

“Do tyres wear out quickeron an EV?”

It is often thought that due to the additional weight of an EV and the increased torque EVs generate, tyres will wear out quicker.  In reality there are many factors that affect tyre wear, including the roads we drive on and our driving style.

Research by ‘Kwik-Fit’ suggests that conventional tyres would wear 30% more quickly on a BEV. This is why tyre manufacturers have designed EV tyres, specifically designed to withstand the additional weight of an EV, with improved rubber compound, stronger sidewall and special tread patterns. These tyres are also designed for lower rolling resistance, meaning better range and economy.

To avoid premature tyre wear:

  • Try to accelerate and brake gently!
  • Use Eco Mode to reduce the accelerator response
  • Fit tyres specifically designed for a BEV 

 

“What happens if I leave the car for a long period? Will the battery go flat?”

The bZ4X has an auxiliary power supply control, which monitors the charge of the 12V auxiliary battery. Any discharge detected will trigger the High Voltage traction battery to charge the 12V battery, for a period of 20 minutes. It will repeat this cycle a maximum of 3 times.

“When charging, what do the terms Slow, Fast, Rapid and Ultra-Rapid mean?”

These terms are used to easily refer to a certain charger power or charging speed. It’s good to know these categories when discussing charging, and the type of power (AC or DC) the chargers in each category use:

  • Slow charging refers to AC charging on a charger power from 0 to 7kW.
  • Fast charging refers to AC charging, with a charge power from 7kW to 43kW.
  • Rapid charging refers to DC charging, from 50kW to 150kW.
  • Ultra-Rapid charging refers to DC charging with a charger power above 150kW.

“Does the driver need to pre-condition the battery before ‘Rapid’ charging?”

There is no requirement for the driver to ‘pre-condition’ the battery prior to charging. When ‘rapid’ charging, the bZ4X’s charge time is dependent upon ambient temperature, the charge station used and the natural temperatures that the battery has reached whilst on route to the rapid charging station.

“Why does the regenerative braking system not always engage?”

If the battery has not reached the optimum temperature range, or the battery is close to being fully charged, regeneration boost control will not operate to protect the battery.

“Is there a limit on how many times the bZ4X can be ‘rapid’ charged?”

Following 2 rapid charges within a 24 hour period, the bZ4X will limit the charge rate on any subsequent charges, to protect the health of the battery.