I’m a real dude when it comes to the new all-electric vehicles.
They’re arriving on the market from many sources with different battery power selections. Most of the cars have around a 200 mile range but that can vary with the driving location.
The latest all-electric bZ4X, all-wheel drive model, is made in Japan and has a range of around 228 miles. The mileage tends to vary with heating and cooling, and whether on flat highways or mountain roads. Going up hill with the air-conditioning or heater on, the mileage drops dramatically.
The bZ4X test model is sleek with sloping design and glass sunroof. Rides on 18” attractive alloy wheels and provides a comfortable ride on the leather and fabric seats. The dash is covered the same mesh as the center fabric seat section. The surprise is no glove box on the dash and items are found deep in the center console under a plastic container. The factory seems to think that this provides more passenger leg room, but I found it confusing.
The dash panel is raised and provides a plethora of lights and controls. The transmission is controlled by a large center button that is pushed to put the vehicle into reverse or drive, with a park button.
What really impresses me with this car is the instant acceleration. The bZ4X (stands for Beyond Zero) and can really move. The weight from the lower battery gives the car a low center of gravity for sharp cornering and a firm drive. The car is fast and can reach 60 in 6.5 seconds and consumes more electric power at higher speeds.
The price range starts around $44,000 with selection of front wheel, or all-wheel drive, and options that can move prices into the $46,000 range. Colorado drivers should select the all-wheel drive model.
My challenge is that I like to drive in the mountains, and this really shortens the driving range. I’m learning that there are three charge levels that impact the time to recharge. This bZ4X takes around 11 hours to charge on a home outlet. The commercial charge stations differ and can offer three levels. Some stations can take up to 9 hours for a full charge and others 30 minutes. I see new charging stations popping up at many locations and no doubt a faster charge may cost more money. New charge stations will hopefully be faster.
These electric cars are still in the experimental phase and more mileage is being squeezed out by improving batter performance. However, they can only go so far before they need a charge, and it limits long range driving with the challenges of finding a faster charging station. City driving, to work and back, is a perfect pattern for all-electric cars with a home charge at night.
My choice is the engine and battery hybrid selection where one gains the economy of the electric power and the safety and dependability of an internal combustion engine.
I must spend more time driving and learning about the all-electric vehicles. I have a second test vehicle this week that is quite different from the Toyota brand.
Driving an all-electric car is a challenging learning process.