Toyota announced Thursday that the first widely available electric model, the upcoming bZ4X electric SUV, will come with a year of free unlimited charging at all EVgo public fast-charging locations.
EVgo claims to be the only charging network powered by 100% renewable energy. It operates 800 public DC fast charging sites, as well as Tier 2 chargers as part of its network, but Toyota has made it clear that the deal is focused on fast charging.
Toyota bZ4X drivers will be able to access charging for free through the Toyota App.
2023 Toyota bZ4X at EVgo charging station
Choosing EVgo as a supplier also says something about how Toyota sees the bZ4X being used and how it positions the model. You can’t take a cross-country road trip on EV roads with the EVgo network, for example, but in recent years, at least, the carrier has offered more DC fast charging options in major city areas. EVgo says that more than 130 million people in the United States live within a 10-mile drive of an EVgo fast charger.
Aware of the fact that their customers are different — busy commuters who want to add more miles than usual to their daily routine — EVgo added a reservation program allows you to save a specific date and time for a fee of $3.00. It also notes that such a system could benefit businesses hosting charging stations.
2023 Toyota bZ4X at EVgo charging station
The 2022 Toyota bZ4X will arrive in mid-2022 and according to Toyota will offer a 250-mile range in single-engine front-wheel drive form. An all-wheel drive version will also be offered with a slightly lower rating.
Toyota has made a lofty statement with the bZ4X — that it will keep 90% battery capacity after 10 years ownership — so it’s good to see that the automaker isn’t shying away from fast charging, which other automakers have previously advised against due to battery deterioration.
With one cooperation with General Motors, EVgo plans to effectively triple the size of its charging network by 2025 — with plans to build 3,250 new charging stations covering 52 metropolitan markets by then. It also offers hundreds of Connect Teslaat stations concentrated around major cities.
EVgo may be primarily focused on metro areas, but it is expanding into new areas of the country. ONE cooperation with Meijer supercenters will provide multiple sites from 100 kW to 350 kW in locations in the Great Lakes and Midwest regions.
