Toyota made quite a splash when the new 2023 Toyota bZ4X was announced, but does this electric vehicle have a secret weapon? Toyota announced some interesting battery technology related to the new bZ4X. As this is the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and the beyond Zero sub-brand, a lot is riding on this release.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X hopes to retain 70% of the battery over 10 years

Toyota is known for its reliability and long-lasting vehicles. As the world ventures into the world of electric cars, will the 2023 Toyota bZ4X follow suit? The automaker has posted various information about the new bZ4X, including some impressive battery technology.

According to a press release on Toyota Europe Newsroom, the automaker relies on its previous experience for this EV.

“Toyota has drawn on more than 25 years’ experience in electrified vehicle battery technology to ensure the new lithium-ion unit in the bZ4X has world-leading quality, durability and reliability.”

Toyota Europe Newsroom

Due to that, Toyota says it guarantees the battery will retain 70% of the battery life after up to 10 years or 620,000 miles (one million kilometers). In addition to the 10 years, 620,000 miles, Toyota developed the 2023 bZ4X battery to retain 90% of its original life. The 70% is the target number, but the automaker thinks 90% is attainable. However, there is a catch. Customers have to keep up with scheduled maintenance to ensure the battery operates at optimal levels.

Does that mean the Toyota bZ4X will have an extensive warranty?

Toyota says this level of battery performance is achievable due to the monitoring of a few aspects. Namely, the battery voltage and the current/temperature of the individual battery cells. Something is triggered in the controls to prevent damage if anything abnormal is detected during the monitoring. Ideally, that would mean the 2023 Toyota bZ4X is protected from random fires that have plagued other electric vehicles lately.

The press release says that there are a variety of safeguards in place to prevent premature degradation of the battery. Toyota also has safeguards in place to “prevent foreign matter from entering the battery.” With new water-cooled battery technology, this battery should be steadfast against problems.

If that’s the case, Toyota must have a bulletproof warranty in place for those who buy the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. The typical warranty has to protect the battery for 10-years or 150,000 miles.

The automaker has not confirmed what the new generation of warranty will be like

Toyota says the bZ4X will have a 71.4 kWh capacity battery to get just under 280 miles of range. The electric SUV will utilize DC Fast-Charging without compromising the battery life. Buyers should get to an 80% State of Charge in around 30 minutes using a 150 kW fast-charger. The automaker says that an 11 kW three-phase charger will be available later.

If anyone can offer an extreme warranty and 90% battery life after 10 years, it would be Toyota. Toyota built the battery unit into the chassis of the EV as part of the new eTNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture). With the success of the new lineup of Toyota battery electric vehicles riding on this release, it is likely Toyota offers some kind of revolutionary warranty. That could mean unlimited miles or 15 to 20 years for Toyota electric vehicles. If Toyota wants to retain its reputation for reliability, leading the way with a battery warranty is a good start.