How much does it cost to fully charge a Toyota bZ4X?

The cost to fully charge a Toyota bZ4X electric vehicle can vary depending on several factors, such as the cost of electricity in your local area and the size of the vehicle's battery pack. On average, it costs between $5 to $15 to fully charge a Toyota bZ4X, according to the latest estimates.

Understanding the Toyota bZ4X's Battery and Charging Needs

The Toyota bZ4X is a fully electric SUV with a battery capacity of 71.4 kWh. To fully charge this battery from empty, it would require a certain amount of electricity, the cost of which depends on your local electricity rates.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electricity rate in the United States as of January 2023 was $0.1458 per kWh. Using this rate, the cost to fully charge a Toyota bZ4X would be approximately $10.40 (71.4 kWh x $0.1458 per kWh).

However, electricity rates can vary significantly by region, with some areas having higher or lower costs per kWh. For example, the average rate in California is around $0.26 per kWh, which would result in a full charge costing around $18.56 for a bZ4X. Conversely, in states with lower electricity rates, such as Louisiana, the cost to fully charge the vehicle could be as low as $5.00.

Additional Factors Affecting Charging Costs

Besides the local electricity rate, other factors that can impact the cost to charge a Toyota bZ4X include:

• Charging speed: Faster charging, such as at a public DC fast charging station, may cost more per kWh than slower Level 1 or Level 2 home charging.


• Charging efficiency: The bZ4X's charging efficiency can affect the amount of electricity required to fully replenish the battery, which in turn impacts the overall cost.


• Utility rate plans: Some electricity providers offer special rate plans for electric vehicle owners, which can lower the cost of charging.

By considering these factors, Toyota bZ4X owners can estimate the typical cost to fully charge their vehicle and budget accordingly.

Why are Toyota bZ4X not selling?

The Toyota bZ4X hasn't sold well due to a combination of factors, including a major recall for potential wheel detachment, limited driving range, slower-than-average charging speeds, and a design and price that failed to stand out against competitors. While aggressive lease incentives did boost sales significantly in 2024, the vehicle has faced a steep sales decline in 2025 due to these ongoing issues. Toyota is addressing some of these concerns in its 2026 update.
 
This video explains Toyota's financial struggles with the bZ4X model: 57sEVPediaYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Reasons for poor sales

• Major recalls: A critical safety recall occurred where wheels could fall off, forcing Toyota to halt sales and buy back vehicles, which severely damaged consumer confidence. Another recall involved a faulty defroster. 
• Limited range and charging: Competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer more competitive range, and the bZ4X's DC fast-charging capabilities were flagged as slow and road-trip unfriendly. 
• Uncompetitive pricing and design: Even after price cuts, the bZ4X was seen by some as too expensive for its performance and features. Its design was also considered bland compared to competitors. 
• Brand perception: Toyota's history of promoting hybrid vehicles and being critical of a full EV transition has made some consumers skeptical of their commitment to the EV market. 

How Toyota plans to address the issues

• Updated model: Toyota is releasing an updated 2026 model to address complaints.
• Improved range: The new model offers a significantly improved driving range of up to 314 miles, a 25% increase over the 2025 model.
• New EV models: Toyota is also slated to release new electric models like the C-HR and BZ Woodland in 2026. 

This video explains Toyota's financial struggles with the bZ4X model: 1mThe Electric VikingYouTube · Oct 8, 2025

Can I charge my bZ4X at a Tesla charging station?

Yes, you can charge a Toyota bZ4X at a Tesla charging station, but there are different requirements for newer and older models. Newer bZ4X models (2026 and newer) have a native NACS port and can charge at Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. Older bZ4X models (2023–2025) must use a compatible Tesla Supercharger with an adapter, and compatibility can vary, so it is best to use the Tesla app to find stations that are open to non-Tesla vehicles. 
Newer bZ4X models (2026 and newer)

• Direct compatibility: These models have a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, so no adapter is needed for Tesla Superchargers or other NACS-compatible chargers.
• How to charge: Simply use the NACS port to plug in at a compatible charging station. 

Older bZ4X models (2023–2025) 

• Adapter required: These models use the CCS1 connector and must have an adapter to use Tesla Superchargers. 
• Finding a compatible station: Not all Superchargers are equipped to charge non-Tesla vehicles, so check the Tesla app to find compatible locations. 
• How to charge:
  1. Use the Tesla app to find a compatible station and start a charging session. 
  2. Plug the adapter into the Tesla Supercharger cable. 
  3. Plug the adapter into your bZ4X's CCS1 port. 

Important considerations

• Level 2 chargers: For Tesla Level 2 (destination) chargers, a specific CCS1-to-NACS adapter can be used to charge the older bZ4X, but this is separate from Supercharging. 
• Safety: It is important to use adapters from reputable brands to avoid potential damage to your vehicle or the charging equipment. 
• Payment: The Tesla app is used for payment for non-Tesla vehicles charging at Superchargers. 
• Charging speeds: Charging speeds can vary depending on the model and station, so consult the Toyota app or the Tesla app for more information. 

Is it cheaper to charge an electric car or buy gas?

Yes, it is generally cheaper to charge an electric car than to buy gas, especially when charging at home. Home charging can be up to 3 to 4 times cheaper than fueling a gas-powered car for the same distance traveled. While public charging is more expensive than home charging, it is still often cheaper than gas, particularly when factoring in the cost per mile. 
Factors affecting cost

• Home charging: This is typically the cheapest option, as it uses your residential electricity rates. 
• Public charging: Costs vary depending on the charger type, location, and network pricing, but are usually more expensive than home charging. 
• Gas prices: Fluctuate and are generally higher than the cost of electricity per mile for EVs. 
• EV and gas car efficiency: The cost comparison can depend on the specific models, as more efficient cars require less fuel or energy to travel the same distance. 

Examples

• A sedan might save about $800$ 800$800 per year by switching to an electric vehicle, with charging costing about 5 cents per mile compared to 11 cents per mile for a gas-powered sedan. 
• It could cost around $15.50$ 15.50$15.50 to fully charge a Nissan Leaf versus about $74$ 74$74 to fill up a comparable Honda Civic. 

Summary

• Charging an electric car is cheaper than buying gas, especially if you charge at home. 
• Home charging is the most cost-effective method, while public charging has a higher cost but is still often cheaper than gas. 
• The total cost depends on local electricity and gas prices, the specific electric and gas vehicles being compared, and charging habits. 

How much does it cost to charge my bZ4X?

On an average UK tariff, the cost to charge the Toyota bZ4X FWD at home is approximately £18.81. However, by switching to an EV-friendly tariff, it could be as low as £5.00. That means you could save as much as £447.62 a year* when you combine one of our smart chargers with an EV-friendly tariff.