How much electricity does a bZ4X use?

The bZ4X typically uses about 25–30 kilowatt-hours of electricity per 100 miles of driving, depending on configuration, wheel size, and conditions. With a usable battery around 64 kWh, this generally translates to roughly 200–250 miles of EPA‑rated range in typical use.

What affects the bZ4X's energy use

Several factors influence how much electricity the bZ4X consumes on the road. The following elements are the most impactful for daily driving:

• Drivetrain and wheels: Front‑wheel drive versus all‑wheel drive, and the size of the wheels (18" vs 20") affect efficiency and range.


• Climate control and weather: Heating in cold weather or air conditioning in hot weather increases energy draw.


• Driving style and terrain: Quick accelerations, high speeds, and hilly terrain raise energy use.


• Battery thermal management: Cold starts and battery cooling/heating cycles can add to energy consumption, especially on colder days.

Practically, these factors can push energy use toward the high 20s kWh per 100 miles in efficient conditions and into the mid‑30s under aggressive driving or extreme climates.

EPA ratings and real-world range

The official EPA ratings provide a standardized baseline for efficiency and range, but real-world results vary with configuration and conditions. The bZ4X uses a roughly 64 kWh usable pack (with a gross pack around 71.4 kWh). The EPA typically reports energy consumption in the high 20s to around 30 kWh per 100 miles, with ranges commonly cited in the ballpark of 200–250 miles depending on trim and wheel choice.

To help potential buyers compare, here are the key takeaways you should expect in practice:

• Battery capacity: Gross about 71.4 kWh; usable around 64 kWh.


• Efficiency band: Approximately 28–30 kWh per 100 miles under normal conditions; higher in cold weather or with larger wheels/AWD.


• Range window: Roughly 200–250 miles EPA‑rated depending on configuration (drivetrain and wheel size).

Real-world results often fall in the mid‑20s to low‑30s kWh per 100 miles range, influenced by temperature, driving behavior, and whether AWD or larger wheels are used. For planning the cost of charging, consider local electricity prices and typical driving patterns.

Charging efficiency and cost implications

Charging efficiency matters: some energy drawn from the wall does not make it into the battery due to losses in AC/DC conversion, cabling, and battery management. These losses, coupled with varying electricity prices, shape the cost of charging per mile.

For a rough estimate, if electricity costs around $0.14–$0.16 per kWh in your area, the cost to replenish roughly 100 miles of range falls in the vicinity of $3.90–$4.50 (based on 28–30 kWh/100 miles). Actual costs will vary with your rate plan and driving habits.

Summary

The bZ4X typically uses about 25–30 kWh of electricity per 100 miles, with a usable battery around 64 kWh leading to EPA ranges generally in the 200–250 mile range depending on configuration. Real-world results vary with wheel size, drivetrain, temperature, and driving style. Charging costs depend on local electricity prices and energy‑use patterns, but can be estimated by multiplying usage (kWh/100 miles) by the price per kWh.

Notes: Figures reflect Toyota specifications and EPA ratings available through 2024–2025, with real‑world results varying by trim, wheel size, climate, and driving behavior. For exact numbers, consult the latest EPA window sticker for your specific bZ4X configuration and your local electricity rate.

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.

Does leaving a charging cord plugged in use electricity?

Yes, a charger uses electricity when plugged in, even if it is not charging a device. This is because the charger's internal circuitry, known as the idle or standby load, still draws a small amount of power to be ready to charge. This "phantom power" consumption is very low for a phone charger (often less than a watt), but can add up over time if many devices are left plugged in. 
How much electricity is used

• Cell phone chargers: Use approximately 0.260.260.26 watts when idle, which can equate to about $0.15$ 0.15$0.15 to $0.30$ 0.30$0.30 in extra cost per year per charger. 
• Laptop chargers: Use a bit more, around 4.424.424.42 watts, but this is still a small amount of wasted energy. 

Why it uses power

• Internal components: The charger's internal components, like transformers and voltage regulators, consume a small amount of power just to stay active and ready for when a device is plugged in. 
• Efficiency: All power supplies have a certain level of inefficiency, and a small amount of power is always lost as heat. 
• International standards: Modern chargers are designed to meet international standards for low standby power consumption, often using less than one watt when not in use. 

What you can do

• Unplug chargers when they are not in use to save energy and reduce your electricity bill slightly over time. 
• Plug multiple devices into a power strip and turn off the entire strip when devices are not in use. 
• Consider using smart power strips, which can automatically cut power to devices when they are not in use. 

How many kilowatts does it take to charge a Toyota bZ4X?

A full charge for a Toyota bZ4X battery requires approximately 71.4 kWh, though some models have a smaller 57.7 kWh option. The time to charge depends on the charger, with a 240V Level 2 charger taking about 9.5 to 11 hours and a 110V Level 1 charger taking over 50 hours. DC fast charging can take about 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. 
Charging requirements by level

• Level 1 (120V): A standard household outlet will take over 50 hours for a full charge. 
• Level 2 (240V): A 240V outlet or home charger will take about 9.5 to 11 hours for a full charge. 
• Level 3 (DC Fast Charging): Using a DC fast charger, you can go from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. 

Battery and capacity

• The bZ4X comes with a 71.4 kWh battery, but some front-wheel drive models may have a smaller 57.7 kWh battery. 
• The 11 kW AC charging capacity allows for a full charge in about 9.5-10 hours with a 7.6 kW charger. 
• DC fast charging maxes out at 150 kW, which is what enables the quick charging times. 

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