Toyota unveils new branding and enhanced technology for its only electric vehicle in the U.S.

Toyota Motor on Tuesday revealed a redesigned version of its sole all-electric vehicle in the U.S., with a simplified name and notable increases in EV technologies and capabilities. The new name for the EV for the 2026 model year is the “bZ,” cut down from the “bZ4X.” Toyota says the name change is to simplify it for customers, but it’s also likely a move to distance the updated model from its predecessor.

The bZ4X received lackluster reviews, with some critics describing the vehicle as a compliance car. The vehicle also faced a recall shortly after its launch due to a problem where its wheels could detach, leading to disappointing headlines for a company known for its reliability.

Toyota appears to address many concerns of the first-generation EV with the updates for the 2026 model year, including a 25% increase in EV range and up to a 50% improvement in horsepower and fast-charging capabilities. These enhancements bring the bZ closer to competitors like Tesla’s Model Y and General Motors’ Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer EVs.

Toyota stated that the bZ is scheduled to begin arriving in U.S. showrooms from its Japanese production plant during the second half of this year, although it did not release future pricing details. The current price range for the vehicle is approximately $37,000 to $42,000, depending on the model.

The EV’s range on a single charge has improved to up to 314 miles, up from 252 miles. The vehicle’s peak horsepower has increased from 214 hp to 338 hp for all-wheel drive models, while front-wheel drive vehicles see a boost of 20 horsepower to 221 hp.

In terms of charging, the 2026 bZ will feature Tesla’s North American Charging System port, providing drivers access to thousands of high-speed charging stations nationwide. Under ideal conditions, Toyota claims the car can charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes.

Additionally, the vehicle receives updated interior and exterior styling, enhancing its competitiveness among a growing number of EVs in the U.S. Although American drivers haven’t adopted EVs as quickly as anticipated in recent years, sales and the number of models available continue to grow.

U.S. EV sales increased 11.4% year over year to nearly 300,000 units during the first quarter of this year, according to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book. Toyota has sold roughly 35,000 units of the bZ4X since its launch in late 2022, with 18,570 units sold in 2024.