John's Stuff - Personal Log 1309

February 16, 2025 - February 23, 2025

Last Updated: Weds. 6/25/2025

2-23-2025 Video: SubZero - Work Commute. Sharing this on the big MN EV Owners group Facebook page was quite satisfying:

Many of you know that I have been driving plug-in vehicles since 2012. Support for that future for everyone has been rewarding. A big part of it was the effort to help get charging stations installed. Supporting Minnesota's adoption of California rules and the effort to promote NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) was the leverage needed for that progress... which is now under attack. The current administration is working hard to put up legal barriers and revoke funding already approved. Adding to that nightmare is the announcement to dismantle charging already put in place.

Here's what GSA announced March 26, 2024: "The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced today $25 million for electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), or EV charging ports, at federal buildings across the nation as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. An initial planned spend of just over $20 million through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will support 32 projects across 21 states at 33 federal buildings for a total of 782 ports to help build a convenient and reliable EV charging network for the federal government’s electric vehicle fleet (remaining funds from the $25 million, if any, will go toward additional EVSE projects)."

That investment was to support the goal of fleet electric vehicle purchases, which over 10 years was estimated to save $11 BILLION in lifetime expenses.

I can't think of a more extreme example of doing the opposite of cutting waste. Claims that this administration cares at all about expenses, our country's long-term well being, or climate-change are utter nonsense. We are watching uncontrolled greed payout right before our eyes.

I have been using my YouTube channel to inform people of what the future holds, looking beyond the nightmare currently playing out. Here's the latest video I published in that effort to reach those who may not understand or may be intimidated by the technology... Toyota bZ4X - SubZero: Work Commute

2-23-2025 Trolling Failures. Witnessing history repeat is fascinating. Participating in it is even better. Stuff like this keeps me refreshed: "Adding a plug to a tiny hybrid battery wouldn't do much. If it's so easy, why only two models w/a plug? Why do Chrysler PHEV outsell them ~3:1? Why are the "crisis" bz/rz so terrible? If it's so "simple?" All evidence says it's not been easy for Toyota. Doesn't change the fact that these are 100% gas powered and 0% of energy added to the system comes from electricity." That's basically what happens when posts are nothing but talking-points. There's no cognitive activity taking place. I fired back at that nonsense with:

Wow, talking about clueless. No matter how many times it is pointed out that PHEV augmentation adds battery to increase capacity for delivering more EV miles, you still don't get it. Perhaps it is lack of patience. Perhaps it is a refusal to look at the bigger picture.

In the United States, their PHEV currently available are Prius & RAV4. Both target the daily driving distance of 40 miles. The next-gen RAV4 (coming this year), which will leverage new battery-production coming from North Carolina, is expected to deliver more EV miles.

In Europe, the primary PHEV offered there is CH-R and the only model of Prius available is the PHEV. There is also a Crown PHEV.

In Japan, Alphard (their minivan a size smaller than Sienna) is available as a PHEV.

As for the claim of "all evidence says it's not been easy for Toyota", that's outright denial. The entire industry is struggling to achieve profitable sustained sales of plug-in vehicles. Even the tit-for-tat fight between BYD and Tesla is revealing problems to come.
What I find refreshing is the denial. It's a repeat of history. No matter what Toyota does to move their entire product-line forward, you try to redirect attention back to ICE. That same narrative failed miserably in the past.

2-23-2025
Purchase Priorities. How many times is it necessary to point out knowing audience is vital? An owner turned troublemaker claimed: "The technology is already outdated and depreciation is huge on the Solterra and BZ4X. Look at the prices on the used ones to have an idea. I bought mine and wish I would have leased. I had a hard time getting a decent trade in allowance when I got rid of it after 16 months and took the financial hit just to have it gone." There are always a few enthusiasts who become disenchanted. They make assumptions when they purchase based on hope. ordinary consumers don't do that. They have priorities and carefully weigh their options. In fact, weight is what I was thinking when I typed the reply: I have always found that "already outdated" comment intriguing, since really doesn't carry much weight. That same statement applies to 100% of the vehicles that are not BEV. So what if range & speed are less? Efficiency from Solterra/bZ4X is outstanding. Haven't you noticed the miles/kWh is quite competitive? Look at what the other BEVs of the same size & shape are delivering. That's what matters more overall (operating expenses, consuming less electricity). As more DC stations become available, range won't matter as much anyway.

2-21-2025
Denial. He responded back with: "Why would that frighten me?" Denial was exactly what I expected; though, downplay was possible. Not wanting to address this circumstance is a big tell. I explained why: Every time there was an article about Toyota's progress, you argue semantics. Not having anything of substance to argue is a sign of desperation. But now that "lame" bz (as you call it) is the top-selling EV in Norway & Denmark, it's turned to being frightened. You know Toyota's approach of continuous improvement is mirroring Prius history, where gen-2 resulted in a big sales boom. Adding to your fear is the successful phasing out of ICE models. That "electrification" represents consumers overcoming their apprehension to plugging in, which sets the stage extremely well for PHEV and BEV sales... hence the new battery production plant.

2-21-2025
Growing Fear. Such denial makes the growing fear easy to see: "What a joke. Hybrids are ICE: 100% of energy added to the system comes from burning gas, 0% from electricity. No plug = no electricity = not electric. Desperate doubling down on 25-year-old technology from the time of VHS, flip phones and dial up internet." Being able to shift from hybrid to plug-in hybrid is basically a matter of having more battery cells available, since Toyota's design already makes that augmentation an simple additional step. The entire electrical system already supports being able to drive entirely with electricity. Adding a dry clutch to enable a disconnect of the gas-engine, which in turn enables the smaller motor to contribute EV power with the larger motor, isn't complicated or expensive. Physically slipping in the charger under the rear seat and the plug on the side panel isn't either. That leaves only the battery as big difference. Being able to source cells for that from within the United States for used in vehicles being built in the United States is reason to make other automakers concerned. I stressed that by providing a few facts: Sounds like someone is frightened of what Toyota's new $13.9 Billion battery production investment in North Carolina will start producing in April... planned for 14 lines and 5,100 employees.

2-20-2025
Accountability. The upcoming ACC-II (Advanced Clean Cars standard, phase 2) mandate that will require a 35% threshold of zero-emissions vehicles in six states (California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont) is stirring quite a bit of rhetoric on both sides. BEV purists believe it is totally realistic, that anyone fighting the effort is anti-EV. Why? The first of which to see this mandate take effect is California, for the 2026 model year. That's a lot of vehicles to switch over within a very short amount of time. It makes no sense. Transition that quickly with the industry struggling with the loss of vehicle subsidies and infrastructure funding isn't realistic. When you push enthusiasts, they only reply with anger. Rational explanation of what steps next to take place in the next few months for such an achievement aren't provided. About that, I asked: Who among legacy automakers have clarified how they would achieve that 35% threshold? We don't see enough choices from the other big players... Ford, GM, VW. The reason Toyota stands out is because they speak out. Remaining silent is an attempt to evade accountability.

2-20-2025
Electrified Spin. Fortunately, the "know your audience" advice keeps this from wearing you down: "Toyota has very successfully campaigned to market their 100% gasoline hybrids as EVs." Who still thinks all hybrids must be plugged in? It is just antagonists online trying to push a narrative. People have figured out that batteries & motors play a role in efficiency improvement, but only plugging in will provide elimination of gas consumption. In other words, people recognize "electrified" to represent technology to move us beyond gas dependency. That's it. There's nothing to misinterpret. If the vehicle has a plug, you can take advantage of cheaper & cleaner fuel. If it doesn't, you'll still be using gas for fuel. Efforts to spin are acts of desperation at this point. If people were really as dumb as the rhetoric claims, models of vehicles becoming 100% hybrid wouldn't have been possible. Those fearing electric would have fought against that. Instead, we see Camry's ICE model discontinued and expect the same soon for RAV4. Here's my push back on the nonsense: Spinning "electrified" to imply EV is a narrative, not a campaign. Consumers know enough to understand what having a plug delivers. In fact, that's why there has been so much attention put on infrastructure lately... support for plugging in.

2-20-2025
Mandates & Goals. Those topics are heating up. With political forces working against expectations for the year, it's easy to stir discussion about other topics. Potential for plug-in hybrids tends to really stir emotion. I wonder how much the business aspect will be accepted. Automakers still need to make money. Workers still must get paid (keep in mind union agreements). And aged vehicles will still have to be replaced. That means regardless of mandates or goals, something will need to be produced & sold. That's why taking long-term outcome into consideration is so important. Don't get too hung up on what's happening in the moment. I put it this way: The reality of selling loss-leaders is sinking in for everyone. Toyota's move to a hybrid platform that's more profitable than ICE set the stage for their future. Augmentation to PHEV is just a matter of more battery with a plug and the addition of a clutch, which retains profitability. At the same time, the cleaner emissions & higher efficiency makes their base far more competitive than other legacy automakers. It sets the stage nicely for loyal customers next purchase to be a BEV.

2-19-2025
EREV Examples. Gotta like reading this from a frustrated reader, commenting on an article that presented EREV as it was a new category of vehicle: "Author needs to do his research better. EVs with gas engines are the past. Only oil companies want them resurrected, although they were good in their day. i3 (2013 - 2022) and Volt (2011 - 2019) are two good examples from that bygone era." Of course, EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) had a changing definition. Originally coined by Volt enthusiasts for marketing advantage, it was later confirmed that Volt didn't meet the definition they had established. So, they changed it. Then later changed it again. This is why we've had problems promoting electric vehicles. Messaging is unclear. For that matter, so is audience. Frustrated myself, I posted: Speaking of research, Volt was never an EREV. Gen-1 had some parallel operation. G en-2 expanded upon that ability to squeeze out greater efficiency while operation in charge-depletion mode. With regard to "only oil companies". That's utter nonsense. It's the automakers seeing opportunity, since it allows them to leverage existing production (to maintain profit) without compromising performance (power, range, etc). Oil companies don't actually like the idea, since they know most pickups are rarely used for towing. As a daily driver, most miles won't use any gas at all.

2-19-2025 Urban Cruiser. Toyota's effort to offer new choices is getting trolled. Everything you can imagine to distract & mislead is emerging in discussions online. I got quite annoyed in one such thread, so I posted the entire press-release detail on it:

The Toyota Urban Cruiser EV is a compact, all-electric SUV with a bold design, spacious interior, and modern technology. It made its public debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show.

Design: "Hammerhead" front end, Robust front and rear bumpers, Striking rear lights that stretch across the back door, and "Urban Tech" theme that combines modern styling.

Interior:
· Spacious and flexible interior with sliding rear seat system
· Dual 10.1″ infotainment and 10.25″ driver display screens
· Smartphone integration capabilities

Battery and powertrain:
· Two battery options: 49 kWh and 61 kWh
· Front and all-wheel drive powertrains

Charging:
· Home charging with the MyToyota app and Toyota's HomeCharge charging point
· Public charging with the multimedia system's map to find nearby charging stations

Technology:
· Heat pump comes as standard
· Remote app allows you to precondition the car's temperature

Other features:
· SUV versatility and safety
· Quietness, performance, and reliability
· Electric confidence

2-18-2025
Absolutely Desperate. I wonder how long PHEV hatred like this will continue: "Hybrids aren't EVs, they're ICE - 100% of energy added to the system comes from burning gas; 0% from electricity (no plug!). Drain the gas tank and it's a brick. Why bother reviewing such old technology at all?" No matter what is posted about plug-in hybrids, there is always someone who attempts to divert attention to hybrids. The reason is simple... we're seeing a lot of opportunity open up for plug-in hybrids. Toyota's effort to establish battery production for their offerings in the United States for the United States clearly has some BEV purists worry. The idea of driving something carrying a gas-engine but never actually using any gas on daily commutes destroys most of the arguments in favor of BEV... especially now, when DC fast-charging infrastructure is so limited & unreliable, as well as expensive. That reality brings out the worst in some enthusiasts. I gladly call them out on it too: Gotta like the effort to distract from PHEV potential. It's a losing battle. The only modification in Toyota's hybrid system needed to make it drive exactly like an EV is to add a clutch. Disconnect of the gas-engine enables MG1 (usually used for generating electricity) to instead supply additional electrical propulsion with MG2 (the traction motor). It's an elegantly simple design, setting the stage for a wide variety of PHEV choices.

2-17-2025
So Little Love. Gotta like this comment: "For a car that gets so little love from the press, I was a little surprised when I saw this: BZ4X number 1 in BEV sales, for January 2025, in Norway and Denmark." That is what I have been patiently waiting for someone to post. I added: Toyota is known for quality & reliability, neither of which the media finds exciting. Obsession with long-range & charge-speed abilities draws much bigger audiences. This is playing out just like Prius. That history lacked the same love in anything targeting enthusiasts. For ordinary consumers, that's a different story. We're seeing results of that now with the slow climb of sales as owners pass along their real-world experiences.

2-16-2025
Critical Thinking. Some is finally starting to emerge. What a concept, apply thought rather than vomit talking-points. Here's a good example: "We've had some hybrids and phevs that come close to this idea... Chevy Volt was a PHEV with a 35-50 mile plugin battery. It had a range-extender 1.5L gas engine that acted as a series hybrid for low speeds. At highway speeds the planetary-gear transmission connected the range-extender directly to the wheels because that was more efficient at those speeds. The recent Honda CRV hybrids are series hybrids with a small battery and a 2.0L range extender. They have a very simple E:CVT transmission that also connects directly to the wheels at highway speeds for efficiency. The CRV could be outfitted with a larger battery but I'm not sure there would be much advantage, but more cost and packaging issues." Naturally, I had to jump into that discussion: The 500-pound gorilla is RAV4, the top-selling vehicle here. It's next-gen PHEV system will be working toward the next-level criteria for CA rules. The current 43-mile EV requirement changes to 70 miles in 2028. With more energy-dense battery chemistry & packaging, the PHEV system will be able to deliver what's expected from a BEV without limitations on long trips or towing. It's what purist fear. We all know there are vast charger deserts here in the US, which is why NEVI was such a big deal. First phase aims to establish in main travel corridors, just enough for a minimal BEV population to get by... 50-mile increments with 4 plugs. That's no where near enough to overcome anxiety though, especially when reliability & availability is also such a problem. Ford, GM and Stellantis all see EREV/PHEV potential.

2-23-2025	Video: SubZero - Work Commute. Sharing this on the big MN EV Owners group Facebook page was quite satisfying: Many of you know that I have been driving plug-in vehicles since 2012. Support for that future for everyone has been rewarding. A big part of it was the effort to help get charging stations installed. Supporting Minnesota's adoption of California rules and the effort to promote NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) was the leverage needed for that progress... which is now under attack. The current administration is working hard to put up legal barriers and revoke funding already approved. Adding to that nightmare is the announcement to dismantle charging already put in place. Here's what GSA announced March 26, 2024: "The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced today $25 million for electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), or EV charging ports, at federal buildings across the nation as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. An initial planned spend of just over $20 million through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will support 32 projects across 21 states at 33 federal buildings for a total of 782 ports to help build a convenient and reliable EV charging network for the federal government’s electric vehicle fleet (remaining funds from the $25 million, if any, will go toward additional EVSE projects)." That investment was to support the goal of fleet electric vehicle purchases, which over 10 years was estimated to save $11 BILLION in lifetime expenses. I can't think of a more extreme example of doing the opposite of cutting waste. Claims that this administration cares at all about expenses, our country's long-term well being, or climate-change are utter nonsense. We are watching uncontrolled greed payout right before our eyes. I have been using my YouTube channel to inform people of what the future holds, looking beyond the nightmare currently playing out. Here's the latest video I published in that effort to reach those who may not understand or may be intimidated by the technology... Toyota bZ4X - SubZero: Work Commute
2-23-2025	Trolling Failures. Witnessing history repeat is fascinating. Participating in it is even better. Stuff like this keeps me refreshed: "Adding a plug to a tiny hybrid battery wouldn't do much. If it's so easy, why only two models w/a plug? Why do Chrysler PHEV outsell them ~3:1? Why are the "crisis" bz/rz so terrible? If it's so "simple?" All evidence says it's not been easy for Toyota. Doesn't change the fact that these are 100% gas powered and 0% of energy added to the system comes from electricity." That's basically what happens when posts are nothing but talking-points. There's no cognitive activity taking place. I fired back at that nonsense with: Wow, talking about clueless. No matter how many times it is pointed out that PHEV augmentation adds battery to increase capacity for delivering more EV miles, you still don't get it. Perhaps it is lack of patience. Perhaps it is a refusal to look at the bigger picture. In the United States, their PHEV currently available are Prius & RAV4. Both target the daily driving distance of 40 miles. The next-gen RAV4 (coming this year), which will leverage new battery-production coming from North Carolina, is expected to deliver more EV miles. In Europe, the primary PHEV offered there is CH-R and the only model of Prius available is the PHEV. There is also a Crown PHEV. In Japan, Alphard (their minivan a size smaller than Sienna) is available as a PHEV. As for the claim of "all evidence says it's not been easy for Toyota", that's outright denial. The entire industry is struggling to achieve profitable sustained sales of plug-in vehicles. Even the tit-for-tat fight between BYD and Tesla is revealing problems to come. What I find refreshing is the denial. It's a repeat of history. No matter what Toyota does to move their entire product-line forward, you try to redirect attention back to ICE. That same narrative failed miserably in the past.
2-23-2025	Purchase Priorities. How many times is it necessary to point out knowing audience is vital? An owner turned troublemaker claimed: "The technology is already outdated and depreciation is huge on the Solterra and BZ4X. Look at the prices on the used ones to have an idea. I bought mine and wish I would have leased. I had a hard time getting a decent trade in allowance when I got rid of it after 16 months and took the financial hit just to have it gone." There are always a few enthusiasts who become disenchanted. They make assumptions when they purchase based on hope. ordinary consumers don't do that. They have priorities and carefully weigh their options. In fact, weight is what I was thinking when I typed the reply: I have always found that "already outdated" comment intriguing, since really doesn't carry much weight. That same statement applies to 100% of the vehicles that are not BEV. So what if range & speed are less? Efficiency from Solterra/bZ4X is outstanding. Haven't you noticed the miles/kWh is quite competitive? Look at what the other BEVs of the same size & shape are delivering. That's what matters more overall (operating expenses, consuming less electricity). As more DC stations become available, range won't matter as much anyway.
2-21-2025	Denial. He responded back with: "Why would that frighten me?" Denial was exactly what I expected; though, downplay was possible. Not wanting to address this circumstance is a big tell. I explained why: Every time there was an article about Toyota's progress, you argue semantics. Not having anything of substance to argue is a sign of desperation. But now that "lame" bz (as you call it) is the top-selling EV in Norway & Denmark, it's turned to being frightened. You know Toyota's approach of continuous improvement is mirroring Prius history, where gen-2 resulted in a big sales boom. Adding to your fear is the successful phasing out of ICE models. That "electrification" represents consumers overcoming their apprehension to plugging in, which sets the stage extremely well for PHEV and BEV sales... hence the new battery production plant.
2-21-2025	Growing Fear. Such denial makes the growing fear easy to see: "What a joke. Hybrids are ICE: 100% of energy added to the system comes from burning gas, 0% from electricity. No plug = no electricity = not electric. Desperate doubling down on 25-year-old technology from the time of VHS, flip phones and dial up internet." Being able to shift from hybrid to plug-in hybrid is basically a matter of having more battery cells available, since Toyota's design already makes that augmentation an simple additional step. The entire electrical system already supports being able to drive entirely with electricity. Adding a dry clutch to enable a disconnect of the gas-engine, which in turn enables the smaller motor to contribute EV power with the larger motor, isn't complicated or expensive. Physically slipping in the charger under the rear seat and the plug on the side panel isn't either. That leaves only the battery as big difference. Being able to source cells for that from within the United States for used in vehicles being built in the United States is reason to make other automakers concerned. I stressed that by providing a few facts: Sounds like someone is frightened of what Toyota's new $13.9 Billion battery production investment in North Carolina will start producing in April... planned for 14 lines and 5,100 employees.
2-20-2025	Accountability. The upcoming ACC-II (Advanced Clean Cars standard, phase 2) mandate that will require a 35% threshold of zero-emissions vehicles in six states (California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont) is stirring quite a bit of rhetoric on both sides. BEV purists believe it is totally realistic, that anyone fighting the effort is anti-EV. Why? The first of which to see this mandate take effect is California, for the 2026 model year. That's a lot of vehicles to switch over within a very short amount of time. It makes no sense. Transition that quickly with the industry struggling with the loss of vehicle subsidies and infrastructure funding isn't realistic. When you push enthusiasts, they only reply with anger. Rational explanation of what steps next to take place in the next few months for such an achievement aren't provided. About that, I asked: Who among legacy automakers have clarified how they would achieve that 35% threshold? We don't see enough choices from the other big players... Ford, GM, VW. The reason Toyota stands out is because they speak out. Remaining silent is an attempt to evade accountability.
2-20-2025	Electrified Spin. Fortunately, the "know your audience" advice keeps this from wearing you down: "Toyota has very successfully campaigned to market their 100% gasoline hybrids as EVs." Who still thinks all hybrids must be plugged in? It is just antagonists online trying to push a narrative. People have figured out that batteries & motors play a role in efficiency improvement, but only plugging in will provide elimination of gas consumption. In other words, people recognize "electrified" to represent technology to move us beyond gas dependency. That's it. There's nothing to misinterpret. If the vehicle has a plug, you can take advantage of cheaper & cleaner fuel. If it doesn't, you'll still be using gas for fuel. Efforts to spin are acts of desperation at this point. If people were really as dumb as the rhetoric claims, models of vehicles becoming 100% hybrid wouldn't have been possible. Those fearing electric would have fought against that. Instead, we see Camry's ICE model discontinued and expect the same soon for RAV4. Here's my push back on the nonsense: Spinning "electrified" to imply EV is a narrative, not a campaign. Consumers know enough to understand what having a plug delivers. In fact, that's why there has been so much attention put on infrastructure lately... support for plugging in.
2-20-2025	Mandates & Goals. Those topics are heating up. With political forces working against expectations for the year, it's easy to stir discussion about other topics. Potential for plug-in hybrids tends to really stir emotion. I wonder how much the business aspect will be accepted. Automakers still need to make money. Workers still must get paid (keep in mind union agreements). And aged vehicles will still have to be replaced. That means regardless of mandates or goals, something will need to be produced & sold. That's why taking long-term outcome into consideration is so important. Don't get too hung up on what's happening in the moment. I put it this way: The reality of selling loss-leaders is sinking in for everyone. Toyota's move to a hybrid platform that's more profitable than ICE set the stage for their future. Augmentation to PHEV is just a matter of more battery with a plug and the addition of a clutch, which retains profitability. At the same time, the cleaner emissions & higher efficiency makes their base far more competitive than other legacy automakers. It sets the stage nicely for loyal customers next purchase to be a BEV.
2-19-2025	EREV Examples. Gotta like reading this from a frustrated reader, commenting on an article that presented EREV as it was a new category of vehicle: "Author needs to do his research better. EVs with gas engines are the past. Only oil companies want them resurrected, although they were good in their day. i3 (2013 - 2022) and Volt (2011 - 2019) are two good examples from that bygone era." Of course, EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) had a changing definition. Originally coined by Volt enthusiasts for marketing advantage, it was later confirmed that Volt didn't meet the definition they had established. So, they changed it. Then later changed it again. This is why we've had problems promoting electric vehicles. Messaging is unclear. For that matter, so is audience. Frustrated myself, I posted: Speaking of research, Volt was never an EREV. Gen-1 had some parallel operation. G en-2 expanded upon that ability to squeeze out greater efficiency while operation in charge-depletion mode. With regard to "only oil companies". That's utter nonsense. It's the automakers seeing opportunity, since it allows them to leverage existing production (to maintain profit) without compromising performance (power, range, etc). Oil companies don't actually like the idea, since they know most pickups are rarely used for towing. As a daily driver, most miles won't use any gas at all.
2-19-2025	Urban Cruiser. Toyota's effort to offer new choices is getting trolled. Everything you can imagine to distract & mislead is emerging in discussions online. I got quite annoyed in one such thread, so I posted the entire press-release detail on it: The Toyota Urban Cruiser EV is a compact, all-electric SUV with a bold design, spacious interior, and modern technology. It made its public debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show. Design: "Hammerhead" front end, Robust front and rear bumpers, Striking rear lights that stretch across the back door, and "Urban Tech" theme that combines modern styling. Interior: · Spacious and flexible interior with sliding rear seat system · Dual 10.1″ infotainment and 10.25″ driver display screens · Smartphone integration capabilities Battery and powertrain: · Two battery options: 49 kWh and 61 kWh · Front and all-wheel drive powertrains Charging: · Home charging with the MyToyota app and Toyota's HomeCharge charging point · Public charging with the multimedia system's map to find nearby charging stations Technology: · Heat pump comes as standard · Remote app allows you to precondition the car's temperature Other features: · SUV versatility and safety · Quietness, performance, and reliability · Electric confidence
2-18-2025	Absolutely Desperate. I wonder how long PHEV hatred like this will continue: "Hybrids aren't EVs, they're ICE - 100% of energy added to the system comes from burning gas; 0% from electricity (no plug!). Drain the gas tank and it's a brick. Why bother reviewing such old technology at all?" No matter what is posted about plug-in hybrids, there is always someone who attempts to divert attention to hybrids. The reason is simple... we're seeing a lot of opportunity open up for plug-in hybrids. Toyota's effort to establish battery production for their offerings in the United States for the United States clearly has some BEV purists worry. The idea of driving something carrying a gas-engine but never actually using any gas on daily commutes destroys most of the arguments in favor of BEV... especially now, when DC fast-charging infrastructure is so limited & unreliable, as well as expensive. That reality brings out the worst in some enthusiasts. I gladly call them out on it too: Gotta like the effort to distract from PHEV potential. It's a losing battle. The only modification in Toyota's hybrid system needed to make it drive exactly like an EV is to add a clutch. Disconnect of the gas-engine enables MG1 (usually used for generating electricity) to instead supply additional electrical propulsion with MG2 (the traction motor). It's an elegantly simple design, setting the stage for a wide variety of PHEV choices.
2-17-2025	So Little Love. Gotta like this comment: "For a car that gets so little love from the press, I was a little surprised when I saw this: BZ4X number 1 in BEV sales, for January 2025, in Norway and Denmark." That is what I have been patiently waiting for someone to post. I added: Toyota is known for quality & reliability, neither of which the media finds exciting. Obsession with long-range & charge-speed abilities draws much bigger audiences. This is playing out just like Prius. That history lacked the same love in anything targeting enthusiasts. For ordinary consumers, that's a different story. We're seeing results of that now with the slow climb of sales as owners pass along their real-world experiences.
2-16-2025	Critical Thinking. Some is finally starting to emerge. What a concept, apply thought rather than vomit talking-points. Here's a good example: "We've had some hybrids and phevs that come close to this idea... Chevy Volt was a PHEV with a 35-50 mile plugin battery. It had a range-extender 1.5L gas engine that acted as a series hybrid for low speeds. At highway speeds the planetary-gear transmission connected the range-extender directly to the wheels because that was more efficient at those speeds. The recent Honda CRV hybrids are series hybrids with a small battery and a 2.0L range extender. They have a very simple E:CVT transmission that also connects directly to the wheels at highway speeds for efficiency. The CRV could be outfitted with a larger battery but I'm not sure there would be much advantage, but more cost and packaging issues." Naturally, I had to jump into that discussion: The 500-pound gorilla is RAV4, the top-selling vehicle here. It's next-gen PHEV system will be working toward the next-level criteria for CA rules. The current 43-mile EV requirement changes to 70 miles in 2028. With more energy-dense battery chemistry & packaging, the PHEV system will be able to deliver what's expected from a BEV without limitations on long trips or towing. It's what purist fear. We all know there are vast charger deserts here in the US, which is why NEVI was such a big deal. First phase aims to establish in main travel corridors, just enough for a minimal BEV population to get by... 50-mile increments with 4 plugs. That's no where near enough to overcome anxiety though, especially when reliability & availability is also such a problem. Ford, GM and Stellantis all see EREV/PHEV potential.