Toyota Australia has confirmed that the local launch of its first dedicated fully electric car, the bZ4X, has been delayed until 2023.
The RAV4-sized electric SUV had been slated for a launch in late 2022, following its formal unveiling last October. But its launch has now been pushed back reportedly due to strong demand in other markets.
In a brief statement issued to Drive, a Toyota Australia spokesperson said the delay stems from “current levels of unprecedented global demand for vehicles”, adding that “further details on timing [to] be released in due course”.
It’s unclear when in 2023 the bZ4X will arrive, although one clue comes from Toyota ally, Subaru.
Confirmation of the bZ4X’s delay came after Subaru Australia announced earlier this week that its first electric vehicle, the Solterra, will arrive in the first half of 2023.
The Solterra and bZ4X are built on the same e-TNGA platform, and share the majority of their parts. The two products are likely to be launched in Australia at similar times.
Front-wheel drive bZ4Xs ome with a single 150kW motor, while dual-motor variants get an 80kW motor front and rear, making for a 160kW overall output.
This is paired to a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery in all models, capable of approximately 500km of range in front-wheel drive models and 460km in all-wheel drive models.
Toyota Australia has yet to confirm the bZ4X’s pricing. But based on overseas pricing, it’s expected to be priced from around $75,000 when it arrives.
