Toyota's Electric Shock: From Zero to bZ, A 007 Reconnaissance Report

A License to Redesign

Right settle in Moneypenny. Seems Toyota's had a bit of a 'shaken not stirred' moment with their electric vehicle. They've decided to ditch the mouthful of a name 'bZ4X,' for the rather more succinct 'bZ.' One might say it's a name so simple even Blofeld could remember it. Word on the street is they’re trying to outrun the bZ4X's rather…unenthusiastic reception. A recall early on? Wheels falling off? That’s hardly the Toyota I know. More like something Q Branch cooked up after a particularly long lunch.

Horsepower: The Name is Bond Electric Bond

The new bZ promises a rather significant power boost. We’re talking a potential 50% increase in horsepower. Not quite an Aston Martin DB5 but enough to outrun a SPECTRE agent on a scooter I imagine. The range is up too to a respectable 314 miles. Perfect for a quick trip from MI6 headquarters to Monaco although I'd still prefer the comfort of my Bentley. 'Fast charging' is another claim. Thirty minutes from 10% to 80%? If true I might just have time for a dry martini. Shaken of course.

A Charging Alliance: Friends or Foes?

Here’s a curious twist. Toyota's playing nice with Tesla adopting their North American Charging System. Now I’ve seen stranger alliances. Makes the bZ compatible with thousands of charging stations. Clever move. Gives them a fighting chance against the likes of Tesla's Model Y and those Chevrolets. A field agent needs to adapt and it seems Toyota is doing just that. Though I still prefer a good old fashioned petrol engine. There's something about the roar of combustion that a silent electric motor just can’t replicate.

The Look of the Beast (or is it Beauty?)

Word is the bZ has been given a visual makeover both inside and out. I've always found a sleek design distracting. A good car should be efficient not eye catching although I've learned appearances can be deceiving. One never knows what gadgets Q Branch might have hidden under the hood. Still in a crowded market a bit of style never hurt anyone. Except perhaps the competition.

American Drivers: A Tough Crowd

The Americans are a stubborn bunch. They’re taking their time with EVs but the numbers are rising. Toyota has moved around 35,000 units since late 2022. Not bad but not exactly setting the world on fire. Still this redesigned bZ might just give them the jolt they need. 'The world is not enough,' as they say. But perhaps a reliable reasonably priced electric car is a start.

The Verdict Bond Style

So there you have it. Toyota's bZ: improved refined and ready to take on the electric car world. Will it succeed? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: in this game you either adapt or die. And Toyota it seems is choosing to adapt. Now if you'll excuse me I have a meeting with Q. I suspect he's been tinkering with my Aston Martin again. Something about 'reducing its carbon footprint' and 'installing a silent mode'. I told him 'I prefer to make an entrance not sneak in.' He didn’t seem to appreciate the joke.